JUDGE WILHOIT, with his long-time administrative assistant Marlene Davis, and a “younger version” of himself, stood in front of his law office, where he practiced before going into public service on Main Street.
JUDGE WILHOIT with a life-size photo of him as a boy at the home he grew up in on High Street.
THE EXTENDED WILHOIT FAMILY posed for a “team picture” in front of the home Judge Wilhoit and Betty raised their children, and where Judge Wilhoit still lives and from where he still takes his daily run. (Photo by Madison Renee Photography)
If you happened to be driving around Versailles on Saturday afternoon and wondered about the herd of Wilhoits walking around town or the life-size cutouts of a young, dapper man with a smile on his face, then the mystery is easily solved. Judge Anthony “Tony” Wilhoit was celebrating his 90th birthday bash with his large family, who were joined by friends at a dinner catered and held at Amsden Station. Judge Wilhoit, a fifth-generation Versailles native and lifelong resident is the patriarch of a large family, nearly all of whom continue to live in Woodford County, and many of whom followed his example of devoting themselves to a career in public service . . . including Woodford County Sheriff John Wilhoite, Woodford Circuit Court Clerk Sarah Littrell, Victim Advocate for the Versailles Police Department Ellie Castle, and Executive Assistant to the County Judge Executive Emily Castle. In recognition of his milestone birthday, Woodford County Judge Executive James Kay issued a proclamation making last Friday, Nov. 7, Judge Anthony “Tony” Wilhoit Day in the county.Judge Wilhoit’s career impacted the entire Commonwealth from being the first Public Advocate and setting up the statewide public defender system, to serving over 20 years on the Kentucky Court of Appeals, to serving as the Deputy Secretary of the Justice Cabinet, to executive director of the Kentucky Legislative Ethics Commission.And, all while living in, contributing to, and participating in his hometown of Versailles . . . for nearly all of his 90 years.Happy Birthday Judge, from your admirers at The Sun.