W.T. Shumake & Daughters

January 27, 1956 - December 26, 2025

Willie "Bill" T. Lacy, Jr, 69, of Louisville transitioned on December 26, 2025.

Visitation 3pm-7pm Thursday, January 1, 2026 at W.T. Shumake & Daughters Funeral Home 3815 Newburg Road. Funeral 11am Friday, January 2, 2026 at Howard Chapel Missionary Baptist Church 1715 E. Market Street, New Albany, Indiana. Private burial 12:15 Saturday, January 3, 2026 Green Meadows Cemetery.

Willie “Bill” T. Lacy, Jr. was born on January 27, 1956, in New Albany, Indiana, to Willie T. Lacy, Sr. and Mildred L. (Orndorff) Lacy. He transitioned from this life on December 26, 2025, just days after the passing of his beloved mother.

Willie was baptized at Howard Chapel Baptist Church in New Albany, Indiana, and attended Thomas Jefferson High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where he played trumpet in the marching band. From an early age, he displayed a natural gift for drawing and painting, possessing a strong artistic ability that remained with him throughout his life. He later attended Lincoln University in St. Louis, Missouri, for a short time. Although he did not graduate, the experience contributed to his growth and independence during his early adult years.

A man of strong faith, Willie was later ordained as a deacon at New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Shelbyville, Kentucky. In March 2016, he joined Canaan Christian Church in Louisville, where he was faithful in his attendance and actively participated in the Connection Group Bible Study, the Group of John, and regular worship services. He was a devoted supporter of Canaan Christian Church and held deep love and respect for his pastor, Dr. Walter Malone Jr., and First Lady, Sandra Malone.

Willie was a true family man who found his greatest joy in bringing people together. He deeply loved his children, grandchildren, and extended family and especially enjoyed spending time with his siblings and cousins. He was known for hosting and helping organize a long-running annual family picnic that became a cherished tradition for generations. He loved to barbecue, take family road trips, go swimming, and cheer on the Louisville Cardinals basketball team. He also enjoyed going out to eat on dinner dates and getting dressed up for elegant, exclusive dance nights with his wife, Vette Lacy (Porter). Willie took pride in his appearance and in his Cadillacs, which he loved driving and keeping spotless. He also treasured family visits to Cincinnati, Ohio, to see his grandmother Alene, whom he affectionately called “Abigail.”

Willie began cutting hair at an early age, a skill that grew into a true craft. He went on to become a talented barber and cosmetologist for more than 15 years, working at Ms. Martin’s Hair Salon and later at Flora’s Beauty Emporium. He later built a long and respected career in the transportation industry, driving 18-wheelers across the country. In his early years, he was often gone for days at a time, logging countless miles and earning the nickname “Wild Bill.” He retired in 2025 from Product Distribution Company, a subsidiary of GE Appliances, after more than 30 years in the trucking industry.

Willie was united in marriage three times. In 1979, he married Carol (Bailey) Morrison, through whom he became a loving father figure to Antwan Bailey, and later welcomed his son, Willie T. Lacy III. In 1986, he married Leslie (Williams) Lacy, and together they raised their children in the same household, including Willie T. Lacy III, Zakiya Lacy, and their son, Dwight Lacy. In 2015, he married his devoted wife, Vette Lacy (Porter), and through that union expanded his family to include Paige Porter-Bradley, Shane Porter-Bradley, and Kelley Porter-Bradley.

Willie T. Lacy, Jr. was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Mildred Lacy; his brother, Dwight Andrew Carr; his sister, Yvonne Evans (Lacy); and his mother-in-law, Anna B. Groves.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Vette Lacy; his father, Willie T. Lacy, Sr.; his children, Antwan Bailey, Willie “Bill” Lacy III (Alicia), Zakiya Lacy, Dwight Lacy, Paige, Shane, and Kelley; his brother, Ricky Lacy; his sister, Carolyn Davis; his grandchildren, Mekiya Green, Elijah Simms, Jaida Lacy, Zoe Johnson, Aris Lacy, and Dillion Brown; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, friends, and co-workers who loved him dearly.