Harold Vontress

January 17, 1921 - March 24, 2022

His Life & Legacy Harold Vontress was born on, January 17, 1921, to the union of Donnie Elizabeth Brown Vontress and Bennie "Bud" Lucien Vontress in Alvaton, Kentucky. Harold’s dad needed his help with the family farm, so he was unable to complete his formal education. But Harold did learn good work ethics, shaping and molding him into the man that we all knew and love. Harold, affectionately nicknamed "Slim," worked at Riley's' Bakery for over 30 years. After retiring from the bakery, Harold did lawn care, even to the age of 90, until he broke his hip. Harold and the late Myrtle Ruth Lillard were united in marriage in, Alvaton, Kentucky, on December 4, 1948. Harold professed a hope in Christ at an early age with Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and trustee for many years, and later in his life became a member of Eleventh Street Baptist Church, where he also served as a deacon. He deeply loved his church family. Harold's hobbies included fishing and gardening, he enjoyed sharing his vegetables with neighbors and friends. You would often find him talking with people and sharing his life stories, making them laugh or smile the next time they would meet. Harold always looked forward to participating in the annual family baskets dinners in Alvaton. Harold would never meet a stranger, his neighbors thought greatly of him. He would often share doughnuts, cakes, and pies from Riley's Bakery. He was famous for his treats. He shared his wisdom, which turned into so many acts of kindness throughout the community. He never lost sight of his faith and his love of God. That too, Harold shared. Harold received the first 100 Club plague from the Eleventh Street Baptist Church, he received a written declaration from the Mayor of Bowling Green, Kentucky, and an award from Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. All of which to place when he reached age 100 in January of 2021. An outstanding man, citizen, and servant of the Lord. Folks would ask Harold if there was a secret to his longevity and he would reply, there isn’t any secret. I accepted Jesus Christ and made a commitment to a clean living in my early 60’s. I feel as if God showed me favor in order to serve my fellow man. Help my neighbors and share advice if they ask. Harold passed peacefully in his sleep and went home to be with the Lord, on March 24, 2022, at the age of 101 years, 2 months, and 7 days. Harold “Slim” Vontress leaves to cherish his memory: his nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. Harold was preceded in death by his siblings: Arthur Venerable, James Bill, John Lucien, Eugene, Clemmont Evind, Benjamin Ted, George (died at birth) Vontress, Lillie M. Vontress Manuel, June Vontress Edison, Liza Morrow, and Irene Gilbert. Sincerely, -Your friends at Burnam and Son