Photo courtesy of Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home
Sep 25, 1927 - Nov 8, 2025
Love and prayers to Aunt Diane and the rest of the family. We will miss Uncle Paul more than you can imagine. We love you so very much and until we meet again.
Ashley Sexton
November 12, 2025 | Sycamore, IL | Family
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
Judy Polly
November 12, 2025 | Hampshire, IL | Family
My Uncle Paul was an exceptional man that I have very fond memories of Cherokee Lake and recent visits to Kentucky coming from Virginia. We enjoyed the visits with Uncle Paul and Diane and truly appreciated their hospitality. Deepest and sincere sympathy to Diane and family.
June and Mark Keller
November 12, 2025 | Richmond, VA | Family
Such a sweet man and a fun character to be around. I am sorry for the families loss.
Jill/Barry Carrier
November 12, 2025 | Lawrenceburg, KY
My sincere condolences to Paul’s family. I had the pleasure of meeting Paul last Fall while his niece June Bentley Keller was visiting with me. Being from Millstone, Paul and I had a wonderful time naming off all the people we both knew. It was a real treat to meet both him and his lovely wife Diane. That was one of my favorite days last year. It was a memorable day for sure! Cecilia Newsome Stephens
Cecilis Stephens
November 11, 2025 | Louisville, KY | Acquaintance
Please join us in honoring the life of Paul W. Polly. You are welcome to attend his funeral service in person or watch the LIVE broadcast at 1:00 PM on Thursday, November 13, 2025. Simply click the link below to view the service.
Paul W. Polly Funeral Service Broadcast
Paul W. Polly, age 98, of Frankfort, KY, husband of Diane Polly, passed away on November 8, 2025. Paul was born on September 25, 1927, in Letcher County, KY, to the late George E. Polly and Alta Gibson Polly.
He grew up during the midst of the Great Depression, and the challenges that presented had a long-lasting impression and influence on his life, teaching him determination, resiliency, and compassion for others. Although he spent his adult life in other parts of Kentucky and other states, he always had a deep love for the mountains of Eastern Kentucky and was immensely proud of his mountain heritage.
Paul was a graduate of Whitesburg High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. After high school, he was drafted into the Army and served from 1950–1952 in the 862nd Engineer Battalion as a Sergeant. He spent 18 months in Germany at Rhein-Main Air Base.
After his military service, Paul attended Eastern Kentucky University, graduating with Distinction in 1955. He obtained his M.A. with honors in 1957 and also achieved Rank I status. Paul started his career in education as a teacher at Berea High School, KY, and continued at Jenkins, KY. He served as principal at Bradford High School in OH, Elliott County High School, KY, and Paris High School, KY.
From 1964–1977, he served as Superintendent of the Paris City School System. He completed his career as Superintendent of Anderson County Schools, KY, from 1977–1986. At his retirement, he had 33 years of service in education. Paul realized that academics, athletics, and facilities all contribute to a strong and vital school system, and under his leadership, significant advancements and improvements were achieved.
Throughout his career, he was active in professional organizations and served on various committees. He was elected twice as Chairman of the Central Kentucky Association of School Superintendents, served as President of the Central Kentucky Education Association, served as President of the Honor Society at Eastern Kentucky University, and received the Eastern Kentucky University Leadership Award.
He was a Kentucky Colonel, an associate member of the UK Alumni Association, a past member of the Paris and Lawrenceburg Rotary Clubs, a member of the Paris Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Kentucky Retired Teachers Association. He was also a member of First Baptist Church in Lawrenceburg.
In his leisure time and retirement, he enjoyed fishing, golf, attending UK football games, traveling, and spending time with his wife and their family.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by his first wife, Cleta Bentley Polly, to whom he was married from 1952 until her death in 1978. Also preceding him were his brother, Vernon Polly; his sister, June Kincer; and Diane’s mother, Janice Peach.
He was immensely proud of and deeply loved his family who survives him: his wife of 42 years, Diane; his sons-by-marriage, Doug (Teri Jean) Stockton of Lawrenceburg and David (Sarah) Stockton of Frankfort; grandchildren, T.W. (Becca) Stockton, Brice (Ally) Stockton, Chloe Stockton, and Kinsley Stockton; and great-grandchildren, Morgan and Beckett Stockton.
He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Johnnie Polly; nephew, Greg Polly; nieces, Judy Polly and Kathy Kincer; as well as Diane’s father, Charles Peach; Diane’s sisters and their families; great-nephews, great-nieces, and cousins.
The funeral service will be held at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, 701 North Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY, on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 1:00 PM. Visitation will be from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will follow at Lawrenceburg Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Paris City Schools, Attn: Jennifer Graves, 310 W 7th Street, Paris, KY 40361, and the Anderson County Scholarship Fund, c/o William L. Patrick, 307 S. Main Street, Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home, Lawrenceburg. Condolences may be shared at www.ritchieandpeach.com.
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