William M. Scalf

William M. Scalf, 87, of Lexington, Kentucky passed away peacefully on October 19, 2025. Born August 3, 1938 in Corbin, KY, he was the eldest son of the late Wilton and Maureen (Purkey) Scalf.

Nicknamed “Buster” as a child, he spent many a day roaming the wooded hillsides, swinging on “great” vines and splashing in the waters of Bacon Creek on the Southside of Corbin. He wasn’t the most studious pupil in school but was always the first to read the newspaper and became a lifelong connoisseur of current events.

As the child of an active duty service member, his freshman year of high school was spent in Germany, where he learned how to say “Gesundheit!” whenever someone sneezed. He also grew nearly a foot in stature and upon returning to Corbin High for his sophomore year was immediately recruited for the football team. Buster would go on to Co-Captain the 1955 State Championship Corbin Redhounds (still regarded as one of the greatest high school football teams in Kentucky history) and graduate in 1956. After a stint in the U.S. Army, he returned to Corbin and married Nellie G. Cummins. They moved to Lexington where he attended the University of Kentucky, attaining his Law Degree in 1967. He was an insurance adjuster and then practiced law for decades in both Corbin and Lexington.

William “Buster” Scalf is survived by his four children; Karen G. Scalf (Carla Seamonds), Ellen C. Scalf, Susan K. Scalf (Amy Powers), John E. Scalf (Angela Hensley), and their mother, Nellie G. Cummins. He is also survived by his 5 grandchildren; Aden, Everett, and Lila Durrett (Ellen Scalf); Clancy and Liam Scalf (John E. Scalf), and various nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He has one living sibling, Debbie Midden. He was preceded in death by his siblings Zesta Smith, Leota Abdou, and Johnny Scalf.

No services will be held at this time at the request of the deceased.