Joseph R. "J.R." Pike, 98, of Henderson, Kentucky, passed away at 11:23 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at St. Anthony's Hospice Lucy Smith King Care Center.

He was born in Ferndale, Michigan, on September 8, 1923, and was raised in Morganfield, Kentucky.  He was a member of Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  J.R. had worked as a lineman and purchasing agent with Henderson-Union RECC.  He was also a World War II U.S. Navy veteran.  J.R. was an avid hunter, fisherman, and groundhog slayer and enjoyed working in his vegetable garden.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Emma Pike, who died August 13, 2001; his parents, William and Julia Pike; his sister, Eloise Kavanaugh; two brothers, Albert Pike and William "Bill" Pike.

Survivors include one son, Timothy Pike and his wife, Beverly, of Evansville, Indiana; one daughter, Terry Risley and her husband, Donnie, of Henderson, Kentucky; eight grandchildren, Dusty Risley (Sara), Nick Risley (Lilly), Sammy Risley (Tiffany), Joey Pike (Jenna), Tiffany Pike, Jeff Jackson, Cassie Wellmeier (Michael), and Jason Berry; 16 great-grandchildren; and niece and nephews.

Services will be at noon Monday at Holy Name of Jesus Catholic Church.  Father Larry McBride will officiate.  Burial will be in St. Louis Cemetery with full military rites performed by American Legion Worsham Post No. 40.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. Monday at Rudy-Rowland Funeral Home.

Contributions may be made to St. Anthony's Hospice.

Pallbearers will be Dusty Risley, Nick Risley, Sammy Risley, Jeff Jackson, Bill Jones, and Jason Berry.

Online condolences may be made at www.rudyrowland.com .