William "Billy" Matthew Kerby

William “Billy” Matthew Kerby III, 75, Paoli, IN passed away peacefully on July 17, 2026, at the Richard L. Roudeboush VA Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana surrounded by his loving family. He was born August 29, 1950 in Louisville, KY to William Matthew “Bill” Kerby Jr. and Ruth “Rita” Reising Kerby, both of whom preceded him in death. William married his high school sweetheart, Donetta Cook, on December 18, 1971, and she survives.

Billy was also preceded in death by his sister Carolyn Kerby Jones.

Billy was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, serving for eight years during the Vietnam Era. During his military service, he was stationed in Mississippi, Turkey, England and South Carolina.

He dedicated more than 30 years to INDOT, where he worked as a surveyor and permit inspector. Following his retirement, Billy continued serving his community as the custodian at Syria Christian Church for 10 years.

Billy and Donetta were proud owners of Paoli Bowling Lanes for 21 years. The bowling alley became a beloved gathering place in the community, where they made countless lifelong friends. Together, they started the Paoli Youth League, which continues to thrive more than 40 years later.

Billy was always ready for his next adventure. He loved attending NASCAR races, traveling to his favorite vacation spots like Myrtle Beach or camping with dear friends like the Payton and Allen Families. Yet, he also found happiness in the simple pleasures in life like fishing in the family pond with his children and grandchildren, spending time with his beloved pets or enjoying a sweet treat – it was no secret his dessert plate was always bigger than his dinner plate.

Billy’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, and he was especially proud of his grandchildren. He had a gentle spirit, never met a stranger and had a special way of leaving people better than he found them.

Billy is survived by:

Wife of 55 years: Donetta Kerby

1 son: Matt (Leslea) Kerby

1 daughter: Tessa (Keegan) Higgs

4 grandchildren: Ali (Luke), EB (Collin), Jax and Nola.

Visitation will be held from 3pm – 7pm, Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at Dillman-Scott Funeral Home (226 West Campbell Street, Paoli, IN 47454).

Funeral services will be held 11am, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at Syria Christian Church (2444 N. County Road 300 E. Orleans, IN 47452). Visitation will also be held on Wednesday at Syria Chrisitan Church, starting at 9am, until the time of the Funeral Service.

Interment to follow at the Syria Christian Church Cemetery in Orleans, IN.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or the Orange County Humane Society in honor of Billy Kerby. Online condolences can be made at dillmanscottfuneralhome.com