[Preacherman]

I'm sorry to have to inform you that Will Mattingly (posting here as Kentucky Rifle) died on Monday from unknown causes. His body was not found until yesterday (Tuesday), and it's believed that he either fell and hit his head, or suffered some other natural cause of death - foul play is apparently not suspected. (He had been in poor health for many years.) Will was a good friend to me, and to many others on this board, and his passing is a sad moment indeed.

Will's funeral arrangements are being made at Highland Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, KY. Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 2004, followed by a memorial service at 7 p.m. I encourage any of our members in the area to attend and represent the rest of us.

Anyone wishing further information may contact Will's brother-in-law, Bill Brock, at (502) 893-7383.

[esheato]

Oh man...

I'm sorry. Condolences to his friends and family. If he was here, he was one of the good guys...

[Darrin]

Never met him, but anyone from my home town passing is a sad loss.

[IRONFIST]

Oh hell, I'm just blown out of the water over this. Are they sure that his death didn't have anything to do with his ex? He said that he was concerned about his safety, in regards to her aberrant behavior. I'm gonna miss KR, he was a helluva guy. I have tears in my eyes and a disbelieving look on my face right now. This board has just gotten a little quieter now. RIP Will, you will be missed...

[Iron Mike]

I knew K.R only through his posts but he sounded like a truly decent person. I just cant help thinking that this is to much of a coincidence . This should be looked into........damn

[Mal H]

That is very sad news. :(

Kentucky Rifle was a man of high ideals and principles. He proved that over and over here on THR.

He will sincerely be missed.

[winstonsmith]

Why is it always the good ones?

RIP.

[Oleg Volk]

He was a good friend. I will miss him.

[C.R.Sam]

Very sad.

But Will has gone on to a place free of physical pain.
Where the flying weather is always good.
Where guns don't rust.
Where all the holes in the targets are Xs.

RIP my friend.

Sam

[Moparmike]

Wow. My condolences to his family. :(


I hate to bring this up so soon, but could this (http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?threadid=80898) have anything to do with it? I realize that he was in poor health, but he did say that he was threatened.

[Bowlcut]

Oh man....im speachless.

Definatly will be missed :(

[azrael]

Like most I only knew KR through his posts here...however he struck me as someone whom I would like to have known in person...R.I.P.:(

[Larry Ashcraft]

DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT! DAMMIT!

Damn it All!

Too many good people have left us lately. Al and now, Will. I just exchanged PM's with Will a few days ago about a visit to Colorado. Now it ain't gonna happen. :(

Damn it all! :(

Sam said it best. RIP, my friend.

[cratz2]

Man... what's going on with the members of this board? Seems like we're dropping like flies. Of course, maybe we just had such a good period before that reasonably expected numbers seem shocking.

Either way, my sincere condolences... He will be missed.

[4v50 Gary]

Kentucky Rifle - from your mortal brothers and sisters still on earth, we wish you God Speed on your journey to Heaven. May your powder be dry and your aim always be true in that great field in the sky. :(

For the rest of us, celebrate life! Tell your loved ones that you love them. Tell your friends how you enjoy and treasure their friendships. For your coworkers who help you out, thank them. For people who are nice to you whether it's a post officer mail carrier or clerk at some story, smile and acknowledge them. Life is too short and time is too precious to squander on evil thoughts.

[El Tejon]

Rest easy, KR. RIP.

[Betty]

Will was a friend and I will miss him dearly. On 5/16 he told me his doctor diagnosed him with vertigo and that he could hardly walk without falling down the stairs.

Show him how much he will be missed by sending flowers to the funeral home.
Fill the entire room with flowers.

Rest in peace, Will - your troubles are over. :(

[boing]

Peace, Will. :(

[Larry Ashcraft]

Fill the entire room with flowers.
Consider it done, from Colorado at least.

[P95Carry]

I have to post ------ but hardly know what to say. We exchanged PM's only a very short while ago ... and whilst I knew his health was far from good .... plus all the stress he has had of late ... NEVER expected this.

Oh my ... I am so sad about this ...... what an end to the day. I hope Oleg will not mind if I post a smaller version of the pic taken showing Oleg with him ... it seems a fitting tribute to remind us of the man.

Will ... heck man .... I for one will miss you ... this is so unfair. God Bless and RIP.


http://www.bedford.net/design/shoot3/kentuckyrifle.jpg

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I will just add - it saddens me even more that this dear man's last days were filled with stresses he should never have had to endure .. that was cruel.

[Stickjockey]

Jeeze, another one?:(

God speed, KR.

[cslinger]

What a horrible loss. KR was a great guy. I am so sorry to hear this.
Prayers sent.

Chris

[Calamity Jane]

Oh my - this is such sad news. K.R. was a fine fellow, and he will be sorely missed. :(

Wise words, 4v50 Gary.

[Stand_Watie]

Godspeed Will.

[MikeJ]

I just logged on and am shocked to see that another of our members has passed on. I haven't developed personal relationships with many of the members but I felt like I "knew" our Kentucky Rifle as more than just another poster. He had a spirit and personality that came through in his posts that set him apart. I always made it a point to read all of his threads. I will truly miss him on this forum. May God grant him special favor and peace. My heartfelt condolences to his family and all that called him friend. Mike

[sm]

:(
Will and I had been exchanging PMs as well.
Goodbye my friend.

Hard to type with a blurry screen. CRSam, Betty, 4v50 Gary...said it better than I. Chris, thanks for the picture.

[Bigjake]

Damnit to hell

They say people go in threes... first it was labgrade, now Kentucky Rifle, and today i was informed a friend of our family only has 2 weeks due to cancer. this sucks.

Never knew KR, but he was a great guy around here, may he RIP.

[Tamara]

Aw, crap. :(


Let this be a lesson to me: Never say, "Well, I'll just get around to answering that PM tomorrow..."

I'll miss you, Will. :( :( :(

[gbelleh]

Very sad news. We'll all miss him. :(

[J.J.]

Wow, I only knew him through his posts but he seemed a very decent man. I had been wondering when the next update for his recent thread about problems would be and also hope it had nothing to do with what went on but coincidences do happen..

It must be hard for y’all who knew him well, may he rest in peace and may God bless his friends and family in this hard time. (or Allah Budda or any other deity that one believes in)

[PATH]

Rest in peace brother.

[ducktapehero]

This is terrible, I have been following his thread about his problems and have been praying for him. I was hoping everything would straighten out for him. I guess the fact that he is in a better place should make us happy for him but he will be missed.

[SapperLeader]

Damn, this a major loss. I didnt know will outside of this forum, but always enjoyed reading his posts. It really sucks that this happens after a period of sadness and stress in his life, rahter than ending with some happiness. Will, you are missed. RIP.

[Miss Demeanors]

:(

RIP Will, you will be missed, my friend. :(

[S_O_Laban]

Wow....:( I'm truly shocked and saddend by this news.

P95 thanks for the pic.

4v50 Gary and Tamara are right... live now and live well.... may KR rest in peace...:(

[Nightfall]

Another sad loss, but another man who remains immortal through the wisdom he shared on THR and doubtless in the hearts of his friends. :(

[Correia]

That sucks. I talked with him via e-mail just a week ago. He was a really neat guy. Always full of stories. Always really just a nice person. He had a standing invitation to visit if he was ever out this way. Will is going to be missed by a lot of people.

[Spark]

God I feel horrible. I've been meaning to call him and stop by for a visit since the last time he came in the shop and haven't found the time. Now it's too late. :(

[P95Carry]

My last PM from Will .. May 10 2004 .... Chris, You guys make me feel SO good. And it would be nice to get away for a couple of weeks. However, I have to stay here and "get on with it". My ex is now threatening my family. I can't run out while that is going on. If it was just me, I'd be there in a heartbeat. But my ex has gone so nuts that she's making these threats to my family! Hey Chris you can send me an e-mail at: kentuckyrifle@webtv.net I took it off my profile because I've been getting porn and Viagra advertizements. I didn't want my e-mail address to be floating around. Every morning, I delete 6 or 7 spam adds. Just wanted to let a bit more of the man's self shine thru ...... I am still ever so sad ... and yet we never even met FTF .... oh how I wish we had.

[Greg L]

:( Crap (severely modified due to THR standards & Art's Grandmaw)

Godspeed Will, you will be missed :( .

Greg

[Miss Demeanors]

Here is a link to his guest book through the obituaries, lets fill that book up!

http://www.legacy.com/Louisville/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2247292

[stv]

RIP, Will.

[twoblink]

A philosopher, a gentleman, a statesman, and a part of the family. Always got cheered up by his PM's.

You will be missed but not forgotten! :banghead: Always the good ones...

Godspeed my friend.

[Steve Smith]

Will, you'll be missed by many a Rifleman. Godspeed.

[IMtheNRA]

Rest in peace, Kentucky Rifle. You will be missed by many friends...:(

[BHPshooter]

Oh my God, I was just about to type Will an email! :(

Will and I had exchanged email for a long time now. I feel as though I knew him well.

He has helped me to cope with my migraines, and I only hope that I have somehow helped him to cope with his tragic divorce.

I'm very sad, even though I know he's in a place where he has hearing in both of his ears, where his back won't hurt from when he was hit by a truck, where gunshot wound scars won't show. He won't have to deal with the images that were left over to him from the Vietnam War.

This man was amazing. I only wish I could have met him in person... now I have to accept the fact that I'll never get to buy him that steak that I promised him.

Will was in some rough times as of late. I would rather that he actually got a chance to move to Florida and start that new gunshop, but I know there's a good guy watching over Will right now.

Will, I miss you already. Take care... Hopefully I won't be too long.

And now my screen's blurry.
Wes

[JShirley]

Will loved his dogs, and in fact, all defenseless dogs, a hell of a lot. I think that's the thing I'll remember most about him...

Vaya con Dios.

[wprebeck]

Hello all,

Just wanted to chime in this thread for a moment. I didn't know KR at all, really. I'm new here, and don't do much posting yet. But, I had read of his problems with the ex, and offered to help, since my wife and I are both LE here locally. He never really got back with me, and I've had a couple of Pm's asking if there were anyway I could find out some more about what happened. I'm gonna try and find some details (if there are any) about what happened, and will pass on everything through Preacherman.

Hopefully, there will not be anything to find out, as some have mentioned he was not in the best of health. But, please understand, if the police ARE looking at something, I may not be able to disclose much, if anything, due to an ongoing investigation. Again, I hope there was no foul play involved, and will contact a few people tomorrow (Thursday) to see if anything is being looked at.

I would like to send my condolensces (sp?) out to all who knew KR, and to his family as well. I didn't really know him, but for a couple of PM's on here. However, it's sad when any good man goes before he should, and that seems to be the case here.

[dustind]

:( I almost can not believe this, he deserved so much better.

[M2HMGHB]

Damn shame. He will be missed very much. May he RIP.

[Jeff OTMG]

I will miss Will, too bad he never felt well enough to make it to an Indy 1500 gun show. Oleg, you were a good friend to him, he really liked you. Will was a patriot, he served his country and did things others wouldn't dream of. It played a part in his problems, but we are all benefitted from his actions.

Rest in Peace Will and say hello to Roscoe for me.

[Kestryll]

May he spend eternity in the presence of God, free from all care, worry and strife and may his time from now until forever be joyful.

[Blue Jays]

Good Evening All-

Between the death of labgrade and now Kentucky Rifle it's been a sad couple of weeks. Best Wishes to his family and friends...

~ Blue Jays ~

[Logistar]

I don't know what to say. He was one of the first of the friends I ran into when I joined TFL years ago. It just doesn't seem possible that he is gone. This is terrible.

[Maddock]

Rest in Peace.
We have been blessed by knowing Will and diminished by his passing.

[Dionysusigma]

From Johnny Cash's I Hung My Head...

And out in the distance
A trick of the brain
I see a lone rider
Crossing the plain

And he'd come to fetch me
To see what they'd done
And we'd ride together
To kingdom come

I guess he's now with Labgrade, up in heaven where the ammo is free, the days aren't too windy, and the ranges go out to a mile. :)

In honor of Will. :(

[4570Rick]

This is becomming an all to frequent event. Rest in Peace KR.

[mnealtx]

We are lessened, again.

Save us a place on the line, KR - we'll be along shortly.

RIP.

[Kodiak AK]

Rest In Piece.

[fjolnirsson]

Dammit.
Rest in peace.
http://www.tomeaker.com/Icons/a_cryinghysterical.gif

[MaterDei]

fwiw, he was very fond of this board and thought highly of you all too. Here are a couple of recent quotes from him:

"We don't have children and the only people that love me are friends. Mostly people on this very board."

"High Roadsters: I'm deeply proud to be associated with all of you."

[lee]

So sorry to hear the passing of a fellow Nam Vet. I don't post often but a Nam vet that loves dogs, deserves my attention at this time. Sure hope someone is taking care of his friends.

[Marko Kloos]

Ferthu hal, Will. :(

[KMKeller]

Will was imbued with an almost childlike curiosity about the things around him. He and I met when he became curious about all things Jewish and for some reason, chose me to ask questions of. Sometimes I would get multiple PM's and emails per day with questions galore or him trying out another joke. We've communicated steadily for a couple of years now and I've grown to trust and admire the man for his fortitude and innate ability to enjoy life no matter what. In recent months, he taught me about myself and taught me to walk a little taller, and hold my head a little higher.

I will miss him, my curious old friend, and I will always remember him.

[jamz]

I hope you are in a better place, Will. Save up some ammo for when the rest of us get there.

-James

[JFrame]

Sorry to be bringing up the rear on this--just saw the post.

Ditto to what all the others have said. K.R.'s posts were uniformly intelligent, well-considered, and civil. He'll be missed.

My condolences to his loved ones...

[Brian Williams]

I am going to miss his posts he always either spot on with his answer or was looking for the correct answer, I will have to make it to the range and fire off a 3 shot volley from my 1894C in his memory, cause he liked his muchly

[Leatherneck]

^ ^ ^
What Lee said. This recent quote from KR grabbed me:I've had my war.
Kentucky Rifle

RIP, Brother.

TC
TFL Survivor

[buzz_knox]

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His light shine upon you, now and forever more.

[ruger357]

I am very sad. KR was a fine gentleman and I will miss him very much. God bless him.:(

[Ex-MA Hole]

Amen.

[OF]

Good bye, Will. You are missed.

- Gabe

[Bubbles]

I just logged on and found this. Truly sad news.

[Ben Shepherd]

Signed the guest book.

Best wishes to his family, prayers said.

[OEF_VET]

RIP Will. The country and particular the members of this board are better thanks to your life.

[shooter.45]

Oh man I cannot believe this. You will be sadly missed Will, I am so bummed now I have recieved alot of good info from him over the years.. :( Always the good ones. RIP

[cordex]

:(

[RWK]

This is so sad; my condolences to his friends and family. Knowing him only through our web-community, I am sure we all feel the loss of a fine gentleman. May he rest in peace.

[Fastlane]

He was a fine person RIP. (:

[BryanP]

I unfortunately never met the man outside of a few posts on this board, but he struck me as a singularly decent person. Rest well.

On a semi-related note, he was a dog person? Does anyone know if arrangements to take care of his dogs have been made?

[Bartholomew Roberts]

I only knew him through Internet forums; but always enjoyed his input. I'll miss seeing it around here.

[WhoKnowsWho]

My condolences. May he rest in peace.

[Shovelhead]

My condolences :(



Shovelhead

[MLH]

RIP. May God hold you in his hand. You will be missed.:(

[axeman_g]

Just logged ... read this thread and am amazed at how shocked I am by this news. I only knew KR from here, and only from reading his posts, yet I feel as if I lost a close friend.

God bless you for serving your country and for being a gentleman at all times.

May Gods mercy be on you KR ...

Gerry ....

[RustyHammer]

Prayers outgoing.

[meathammer]

Very sad news.

My prayers to his friends and family. I don't know any THR members personally, but consider all of you friends. He will be missed.

Rest in peace.

[who me]

My prayers and thoughts are sent. God Bless KR

[Sylvilagus Aquaticus]

May he have a place near the head of the table in the great hall, and may his horn always be full.

Regards,
Rabbit.

[Lightsped]

KR's wealth of knowledge and posts on THR will be missed here. :(

[pax]

:(

Rest in peace, brother Will.

pax

[LynnMassGuy]

Terrible news. Seemed like a very good guy through his posts. I don't know what to say. Terrible.

[Russ]

I'm really sorry to hear this. I can't believe he is gone. I just replied to an e mail from him a few days ago and was wondering why he hadn't gotten back to me. He seemed in better spirits lately even though he was going through some really tough times. Much too young to die. Hope he didn't suffer.

[gulogulo1970]

His posts were good and from the heart. He will be missed. He seemed like a really good man. Its a shame to lose another good guy, seems like there are fewer and fewer of those kinds of people around these days.

[12 Volt Man]

Wow. Another one. RIP Kentucky Rifle. Very sad. :(

[DWS1117]

Very sad news.

[spacemanspiff]

damn.

it was just little more than a week ago that KR was enjoying a fresh outlook on life, thanks to his friends and family of THR/TFL that reached out to him in his times of hardship.

from Kentucky Rifle, May 11
I have no words to express my gratitude for all the support I've received. Phone calls, PM's, posts, and e-mails. Even though she told my attorney today that she's not going to give my gun collection back, I'm quite content. He will have to fight her tooth & nail, although he still says he'll get my stuff back. Incredibly, I've caught myself going around my house--singing. I'm myself again. Maybe I'm better than I've been in a long time.

[Zedicus]

Aw man that's Sad to Hear,
that Just ruined the rest of my day.:(

K-R was one of the Many bright spots on THR, he'll be greatly missed.

Anyone find out the cause yet?

[Russ]

Miss Demeanors (Sandy) posted this link over on TFL. I didn't see it here so I wanted to bring it over. There is a guestbook you can sign. As Sandy said over at TFL, lets fill this up. Many thanks to her for the link.

http://www.legacy.com/Louisville/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2247292

Edited because I'm stupid:

Miss Demeanors, When I went back and read previous posts, I noticed you posted this twice over here already. Thanks for the link.

[SAG0282]

My thoughts are with his friends and family.......

[mondocomputerman]

When I heard the knews I immediately remembered the picture of him and Oleg and the dogs. Truely very sad news. Will be praying for his family.

[gyp_c2]

..vaya con Dios...

[Lennyjoe]

Unbelievable.

Thats two HighRoad/TFL'ers in the last few months.

Rest in peace my friend.:(

[Atticus]

Sad news. He joins many good ones..unfortunately for us. :(

[Lancel]

Although we never met, he was not a stranger. His posts influenced me in good ways.
May he have a peaceful rest. Condolences to his family.

Larry

[GLOCKME]

To hear that he is gone..
We e-mailed back & forth about a Seecamp issue and I enjoyed every moment we corresponded...

I did not know you personally K.R.

But I thank you for letting me know you thru the boards...

[seecamp]

Will started out as a customer and became a valued friend. His emails and telephone conversations will be missed. He surerly enriched the lives of all those who knew him and recognized a class act. Will had the graciousness, gentility and generosity of a different era. I sometimes thought he was too caring and loving for this world.

Perhaps the good Lord thought so too -- for Will is now surely in a better place.

May he RIP and know that those of us who were fortunate enough to meet him will forever remember him in their hearts.

Larry

P.S. Will, I know you're reading this. Forget the cat shirt you were going to send me. :) We'll talk about it when it's my time. Hope you like the flowers I'll be sending.

[Kendra Pacelli]

R.I.P KR

I am blown away by this news. I wish I could make the trip to pay my respects.

My prayers go out to his family.


:(

[firearms_instructor]

Sorry to hear about him going. Clearly he is missed my many here. God bless his family.

A good friend's mother died recently, we attended the funeral last week, so I know how it feels when a good person dies.

[Barbara]

:(

[Preacherman]

I'm sure Will wouldn't want us being sad for him, but rather happy that he's in a better place, free of pain after so many years of suffering. I'm going to remember his wonderful sense of humor... As an example, from this thread (http://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=136430) dealing with "assault toilets" (!) on TFL:
When I first read this post and the replies yesterday, I started laughing and couldn't stop. The phone rang with a fellow wanting to talk about a vest that I'm considering for my wife as a Christmas gift. I almost choked. He asked me what was the matter, I told him, he bagan to laugh uncontrolably and asked me to call later when we'd both "laughed it out". Took a long time.
The lady in question should turn the other cheek (as it were) and fess up, less we have an assault toilet ban called for by the Brady Bunch. BWAHAHAHAHAHA
Whew--cracked myself up again.

KR

[Legionnaire]

I'm saddened. I never met the man, but was impressed by the thoughtfulness of his posts. I feel the loss to our community.

[Bridger]

I'm still fairly new here, and been doing more reading than posting, but his posts always stood out to me.

Very sorry to hear of this, my condolences.

[Feanaro]

I am saddened by his passing. Prayers for him and his family.

[The Real Hawkeye]

Wow! I didn't know him well, but I do remember reading his post about his concerns about his ex wife and threats against him. Wonder if she knew he communicated about it on the internet. Very sad, indeed. Really hits home when one recalls reading his posts what seems like just a few days ago, and to think he was living then, and now he's gone. God bless him. What a tragedy. I hope it gets looked into, as it does seem an extremely unlikly coincidence.

[Safety First]

Very sad news indeed! KR will be sorely missed by all in this forum. Prayers and thoughts to the family.

[19112XS]

Wow! How very sad. My condolences to all truly knew him.

[Schuey2002]

Farewell, Will.

:( :(

My condolences go out to all his loved ones.

[Larry Ashcraft]

Just sent flowers to the funeral addressed to Will's parents. My message:

"The world is a little darker place now. Rest in Peace, Will "Kentucky Rifle" - Larry Ashcraft, Pueblo Colo.

As Betty says, let's fill that room with flowers. :(

[Prodigalshooter]

Sad, he always had interesting posts, my condolences.

[kcslim]

I did not know you Will,but I know you are with God now. R.I.P. Sir,by the word's of people here,you sound like one of the good ones.

[Jim March]

Dammit!

Sigh.

OK, let's ask two questions Will would care about:

1) Do the cops know about the threats?

2) This is going to seem silly but Will would care: is there a home for his dogs available? If not, can we collectively arrange something...find somebody here who can take them in, and have people chip in for transport costs if necessary? I know this is something I would have wanted back when I had the ferts...

[goalie]

He deserves a flawless rendition of taps followed by a 21 gun salute.

Semper-Fi

[Kcustom45]

:(

[tomkatz]

I agree with Jim March, let's see if we can help his dogs....My wife and I are involved in animal rescue, she actually has contacts all over the U.S.....this is very sad, we are severely diminished......tom

[BluesBear]

If anyone would like to send flowers may i suggest Nanz & Kraft (http://www.nanzandkraft.com/) Florists in Louisville.
They are the finest florist on the planet.
You can call them directly 1-800-897-6551.
Will deserves only the best.


The World is now a darker place even though there is a new bright star in Heaven.


His obituary (http://www.legacy.com/Louisville/LegacySubPage2.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonId=2247292) was published in his home town newspaper Friday.


William Lawrence Mattingly, 53, of Louisville, died Tuesday, May 18, 2004, at his residence. A native of Louisville, he attended the University of Louisville and the Kentucky Military Institute and was a member of the National Rifle Association. Survivors include his wife, the former Nancy Brock; his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Lawrence Mattingly; and a sister, Patricia Williams. A memorial service will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Rd., preceded by visitation from 3-7 p.m. Memorial gifts may be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or the Kentucky Humane Society.
Published in The Courier-Journal on 5/20/2004.

[Skunkabilly]

:(

[salute]

:(

[KMKeller]

I'll adopt one of the dogs if we can arrange for it to be taken care of until I can drive to TN. I should be able to make it in a couple of weeks.

[Nick_90]

May he rest in peace. I never met him but always read his posts with great interest.
Codolences from Switzerland to his friends and family....

[Don Gwinn]

I had not called Will recently, and it's a lousy feeling. Call your friends!

He was a good man who lived with a lot of suffering. I'm glad his suffering is over, but what a hell of a thing that is to say about your friend.

[tomkatz]

I just spoke with Bill Brock, Wills brother in law, he informed me that the dogs have a new home and are with a true animal lover, so Will, rest easy, your buddies are in good hands. He said to tell everyone they appreciate all the good thouights from the folks at these forums......tom

[hksw]

Sorry to hear of this news.

[LASur5r]

I just buried my father-in-law last weekend....but with Kentucky Rifle...I feel the sorrow...of the loss of a good man.
I tried to follow this man's course...just as I have tried to follow in the footsteps of many of you good people on this board.
I know the Lord has a good man as a pathfinder in Kentucky Rifle.
God Bless and take care of this man, Will Mattingly.

[rhedley]

Good old Will, you could always depend on him to defend anything about a Seecamp pistol ,.. or a Hedley Holster. His proudest day was the time Larry Seecamp called him at home..and discussed a possible problem with his LWS .32.. He and Larry became very good friends.

He will be missed by many, what more can a man accomplish in this world?

RJ Hedley

[Monkeyleg]

P95Carry, thank you for posting that photo. It really brings it all home.

Rest in Eternal Peace, Will.

[Byron Quick]

Godspeed.

[TCD]

damn....
:(

[thumbtack]

:( RIP KR :(

[kernal_panic]

#$%@~!

sorry its all i can muster. fell down the stairs? $100 says she pushed him.

[Logistar]

I went by the funeral home earlier today. I signed the guest book and added my handle here plus THR/TFL. I talked to some of his relatives and explained that he had MANY friends here on THR and that they too sent their condolences.

They were aware that he had many friends on this board and seemed very thankful for it.

There were pictures of KR and items representing his life distributed around the room. They made me want to come home and send him an E-mail. I can't get used to the fact that I can't anymore. I'll miss him.

Logistar

[P95Carry]

Glad you went Logistar .. it's good to feel someone could represent us. It still hasn't fully sunk in yet!

[Jim March]

Glad you were representing us.

Also glad the dogs are OK. Sorry if that concern seemed silly to anybody, I rather guarantee it's one of the main concerns Will would have had.

[IRONFIST]

I didn't consider it silly at all Jim, to the contrary it just proves again what a stand-up guy you are. Carry on, Sir.

[Greybeard]

More saddening news as I get back to THR for first time in days. :(

RIP, my friend.

[Esky]

Our world is smaller now, and less than it was.

May you rest in peace, Kentucky Rifle.

Esky
sadder now but not wiser

[NJ3]

I hope KR's in a better place, he had some trying times in this one.

I will miss him.

[m.i.sanders]

I only knew KR from his posts here. My prayers are with his family. :(

[Black Majik]

oh man, I dunno how I missed this thread.

RIP Will,

Definitely sounded like a great guy, I wish his family well. Godspeed to himself.

:(

[chaim]

Wow, after a couple days away this is not the news you want to come back to.

Like many here I only knew Will/KR through here and TFL.

His was always one of the names I looked for if I was just scanning the replies in a post. He brought a maturity and civility often missing on internet forums (including sometimes TFL and THR). He was always polite and when he posted he had something meaningful to say.

I've never actually met the man and I feel like I've lost a friend. This is truly sad news.

:(

[Ala Dan]

My condolesences and sympathys to Will's family;
we will keep Will in our thoughts and prayers.

Respectfully,
Ala Dan, N.R.A. Life Member

[Linux&Gun Guy]

Hmm I hope we arn't going to lose so many gunnies that the young 'educated' antis will grab ahold of the power :(

We miss you Kentucky Rifle

[gryphon]

My condolences to the family. God speed!

[Browns Fan]

Goodbye Kentucky Rifle, may you rest in peace, my friend. :(

[Orthonym]

Only knew him from here, but that's enough to miss him, a whole bunch.

[444]

Kentucky Rifle, I am going to miss you.


I was very relieved to hear his dogs are being taken care of.

[TechBrute]

One less to fight the good fight. :(

[Thorntree]

Will..was my dear and serious friend.

I don't post here..cannot even begin to read much of this without choking up.

If the dogs need a place..or just anything at all...let me know.

Best,

Ron Graham
Graham's Custom Gun Leather
www.grahamholsters@comcast.net

[BHPshooter]

It's been almost ten days since this has been posted, and it's still all I can do to fight back the tears.

I know it sounds trite, but the world is missing something great. If I miss him this much only from talking through PMs and email, I would be crushed if I had actually known him in person.

Will was a true friend, even to those with whom he was only acquainted. I am proof of that.

Will, we miss you inexplicably. :(

Wes

[Greg45]

Very sad. :( Sounds like he was a great guy.

[Heraclitus]

My deepest sympathy.

[gp59]

Rest in peace KR you will be remembered.


:) :) :)

[Ed Ely]

My condolences to his family.

[deputy tom]

I am deeply saddened to hear this.RIP KR.You sure were fun to talk to.If I would have known sooner I'd have been there and played my pipes..tom.:(

[BamBam-31]

I've put off posting on this thread because I just don't know what to say other than I'm terribly saddened by this. Kentucky Rifle was a gentleman, one of the good guys on this board.

:(

[Redlg155]

This was a shocker to me. I was just thinking about him the other day and asking for some advice concerning my own situation in life..

I know we all say RIP...but I don't think he's resting. His body may be at rest but I think his soul is in a better place.

Good Shooting

[P95Carry]

Just a humble, small addition ....


http://www.bedford.net/design/img_assd/kentuckyrifle-rip.jpg

[BHPshooter]

Beautiful, Chris.

I don't know how long it's been, but I still can't get over it. So very sad.

Wes :(

[Okiecruffler]

I'm gone for a month and when I come back I learn that two of our heavies have moved on. They will both be missed. A very harsh reminder that our time here is so very short.

[ballistic gelatin]

My condolences as well.

[hnm201]

I'm laying this here in respectful rememberance of THR's Kentucky Rifle. I found it on the KC3.org website

"It is the tradition that a Kentuckian never runs. He does not have to…he is not obligated to retreat, nor to consider whether he can safely retreat, but is entitled to stand his ground, and meet any (life-threatening) attack made upon him with a deadly weapon…." Gibson v. Commonwealth, 34 SW 936 (Ky. 1931).

[Omni04]

i wish i would of known the man... makes me proud to live in Ky.

[No Quarter]

Cattle die, kindred die,
Every man is mortal:
But the good name never dies
Of one who has done well.


Viking Proverb from the "Havamal"

We take nothing and we ultimately leave nothing other than what others remember us for. Seems he had done well indeed.

I hope he died peacefully.

NQ

[MountainPeak]

I'm sorry to hear about this. I guess better late than never. Dave

[bad_dad_brad]

I missed this somehow.

Too bad, I always enjoyed his posts.

Perhaps the nickname "Kentucky Rifle" should be retired.

[Nobody]

This is terrible! I've been renovating a my house and haven't been reading as much on the computer as usual over the last few months. Will and I shared an interest in those smaller mouse guns, especially the .32 maggie and the .22. I will miss our emails very, very much and am quite saddened to find out about this so long after his passing. Say hello to the big guy Will, I'll see you again someday in the future and then perhaps we can do some shooting together.

[Mal H]

"Perhaps the nickname "Kentucky Rifle" should be retired."

It is.