William Fugate

William Joseph "Billy" Fugate, 58, of Lexington formerly of Morehead, passed away Monday, February 11, 2013 at his home.

He was born on September 3, 1954 in Morehead, Kentucky, a son of the late Russell Green Fugate and Betty Ann Davis Fugate.

Billy was an artist. He completed the Famous Artists' School correspondence course during High School. He went on to become a freelance cartoonist and illustrator for various newspapers and magazines, as well as designing toys for Tonka and others. While living in Minnesota for several years, he drew everything from industrial slide shows and t-shirts to educational comic books about water and boating safety for the Department of Natural Resources. His comics have been published by Kitchen Sink, Big Bang, Marvel and Disney, as well as his own creation, Super Frankenstein.

He was of the Baptist Faith, a graduate of Bluegrass Community and Technical College and the University of Kentucky and he enjoyed reading, drawing, watching old movies and comic books.

Survivors include two brothers, Larry Kegley of Oxford, Mississippi and Neal Fugate of Whittier, California, two sisters, Connie Fugate of Lexington and Geneva Larkin of Las Vegas, Nevada, four nieces, four nephews, aunt, Lovena Richardson of Morehead, uncle, James Earl Davis of Athens, Ohio and several other relatives and friends.

Graveside services and burial will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Thursday, February 14, 2013 at the Lee Cemetery with Rev. Matt Richardson officiating.

There is no visitation.

Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Contributions are suggested to Hospice of the Bluegrass or Markey Cancer Center.

Lane-Stucky-Gray Funeral Home is caring for all arrangements.