Utah Proffitt, Sr.

Utah Proffitt, Sr.

May 6, 1946 - March 1, 2015

Rev. Utah Proffitt, Sr., of 331 Oaklawn Circle, Corbin, KY, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 1, 2015, passing away in his home.  Utah was born on May 6, 1946, in Gray, KY.  Utah was a retired Southern Baptist Minister and a retired locomotive engineer for CSX Railroad.  He had also previously coached the track and field team at St. Camillus High School.  Utah served 4 years in the United States Air Force.  He was a member of Bacon Creek Baptist Church and The Grand Lodge of Kentucky, F. & A.M., Cumberland Valley Lodge #751, and was a Kentucky Colonel.  Utah enjoyed working with and coaching children, working in his garden, woodworking, riding his motorcycle and sharing his faith at every opportunity.

Utah was preceded in death by his daughter, Tammy Gale Proffitt; his parents, James Monroe and Leafus Proffitt; his grandfather who helped raise him, Abe Helton; his brothers: Arthur Ray Proffitt, Herbert Neil Proffitt and Gary Lee Proffitt; father-in-law, Leon McVay, Sr., and mother-in-law, Wanda McVay, and his beloved beagle, Hunter.

Utah is survived by his faithful and loving wife of 43 years, Jenny Lee Proffitt; two sons: Utah Proffitt, Jr. and significant other, Faith Martin of Corbin, KY, and Joshua Lee Proffitt and his wife Susan of Lafayette, LA; six grandchildren: Joshua “Boomer” Proffitt, Harley Madison Proffitt, Nathaniel Lee Proffitt, Gennaleigh Grace Proffitt, Gabriel Wayne Proffitt and McClane James Proffitt; and one great grandson, Declan Proffitt.  He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Leon McVay, Jr., and his wife Jennifer, three sisters-in-law: Diane Proffitt, Cinda Proffitt and Penny Sullivan and her husband Eddie; and two special young friends: Mikayla Brooks and Sydney Sweeney, as well as other relatives and numerous friends to mourn his passing.

A visitation and remembrance service for all friends and family will be held at Hart Funeral Home, Inc., located at 1011 Master Street in Corbin, KY, on Wednesday, March 4, from 6:00pm until 9:00pm, with observation of the Masonic Rights at 8:00pm.  A funeral service to celebrate the life of Utah will be held in the Hart Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, March 5, at 10:00am.  The funeral will be officiated by Rev. Darvin Wells and Deacon John Bill Gibbs.  A graveside burial service immediately following the funeral service will be held at Candle Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery in Gray, KY, where Utah will be laid to rest next to his mother.  Military Honors will be conducted by the D.A.V. Chapter 158.

The pallbearers will be Utah’s sons and nephews: Utah Proffitt, Jr., Josh Proffitt, Gary Proffitt, James Proffitt, Dan Suhr and Robert Wyatt.  Serving as honorary pallbearers are Utah’s nieces and nephew:  Missy Proffitt, Heather Proffitt, Candi Kuhl and her husband Phil.

13 Comments
  • Tom and Sharon Ball
    Posted at 23:17h, 02 March Reply

    Tom and I have lots of wonderful memories of Utah and Jenny as they were our neighbors for many years. Utah was a wonderful, caring gentleman and we certainly enjoyed our many conversations with him when we would see him in the neighborhood. We send our thoughts and prayers to Jenny, the boys, and all family members. Utah will be greatly missed.
    Much love to all,
    Tom and Sharon Ball

  • David and Cordelia Root
    Posted at 20:29h, 03 March Reply

    So sorry for your loss. My sister Linda Root Leger called and shared the news with me. Love and Prayers from our family for you and your family during these hard times. David and Cordelia Root

  • Linda Felts Hastings
    Posted at 22:56h, 03 March Reply

    Jenny, I’m so very sorry for your loss. Please know I am thinking of you and you and your family are in my prayers..

  • Joni Cormier
    Posted at 14:14h, 04 March Reply

    Josh,Susi & Family,
    My sincere condolences, prayers and sympathy go out to you and your entire family. May God wrap his ever loving arms around you all during this difficult time, and for the years to come as you work through your grief. God has another angel on his side. Mr. Utah sounds like he was a great, caring, dedicated man. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, I’m sure. God’s Speed to you all ~ Joni

  • Amy Adams
    Posted at 16:13h, 04 March Reply

    Josh and Susi,

    Lifting you up in prayer during this difficult. Praying for God’s comfort for you and your family.

  • Michael, Amy, Sam, and Alex Martin
    Posted at 20:49h, 04 March Reply

    Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. We are so sorry for your loss.

  • Mona L. Dean
    Posted at 22:11h, 04 March Reply

    Jenny, I am so sorry to learn of Utah’s passing. I’m thinking of you and sending love.
    Mona

  • Deborah Sharp Taft
    Posted at 22:19h, 04 March Reply

    To Sister Jenny and family my heart goes out to you in this time of such a great loss of Utah , he was my pastor , I sat under him as a sinner for way to long and never one time did he condemn me , he was so loving to me my family and church family as well at ceder gap baptist church , he was a good Christian man who loved the Lord , and he preached what God put on his heart , I will always remember the love he and sister Jenny had for everyone , he will forever be missed , I am so sorry that I can’t make it to the showing , you are all in my thoughts and prayers ,,, what keeps coming to my heart as I type this is ( GONE HOME ) he has gone home to be with JESUS , love Deborah Sharp Taft

  • Janice H. Reid
    Posted at 00:52h, 05 March Reply

    Jenny, It has been many years since I have seen you and Utah, I remember the good times we all had. Praying for you and your family during this difficult time.

  • Melissa "Mimi" Walden Humfleet
    Posted at 02:09h, 05 March Reply

    I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Although it has been over 20 years since I was a part of the family, Utah left a lasting impression on me. In a short time I came to know what a wonderful father, husband, and man of God he was. Prayers are with the family

  • mr and mrs calvin t hampton
    Posted at 13:36h, 05 March Reply

    jenny we are so sorry about ur loss he was a good man and a good christian man

  • Darrell Meadors-CSX
    Posted at 13:47h, 05 March Reply

    I worked at CSX with Utah. He was a great worker & friend. I am so sorry for your loss.

  • Kristi Kenslow
    Posted at 20:29h, 05 March Reply

    Josh & family,

    Remembering you all in prayer during this time of loss and sadness. May God provide peace and comfort today and the days ahead. To read about your father made me wish to know him more. What a wonderful summary of his life! May you find joy and happiness in the many memories of his life on earth. Love and prayers from my family to yours.

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