Billy Joe Caudill

Billy Joe Caudill, affectionately known as "Captain Cave Man," was born on April 25, 1959, in Mt. Sterling, Kentucky. He departed this world far too soon on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at Baptist Health-Hardin in Elizabethtown, Kentucky. A devoted truck driver and farmer, Billy Joe lived a life steeped in commitment and passion, leaving a mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Billy Joe was a man of unyielding spirit and loyalty, embodying friendship and warmth in every moment. He embraced life with a heart full of joy and a personality that sparked laughter and camaraderie among friends. His love for animals was profound, particularly for horses, as he dedicated time to rescuing and nurturing them. This compassion mirrored the big-hearted nature that defined him.

In addition to his rewarding career, Billy Joe had a deep-seated love for anything large and powerful with a motor. His enthusiasm for Chevy's and flatbeds was well known, and he poured his creativity and skill into building his own race cars, proudly displaying the number 51, an emblem of his racing prowess. On the C.B. radio, he became a legendary figure, known to many as "Captain Cave Man," a name that evoked laughter and nostalgia for all who heard it.

Billy Joe's zest for life was evident in every endeavor he undertook, from driving down winding country roads to spending quiet moments surrounded by nature with his beloved animals. He was known to be a sucker for beautiful sunsets. His legacy is built upon the countless small acts of kindness and laughter he shared with others, creating memories that will be cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Annie Conley Caudill Smith. One son, Jesse Caudill. His brothers: Elwood Caudill and Derwood Caudill. Sisters: Juanita Ginter and Shirley Williams.

Survivors include three daughters: Jessica Caudill and her fiancé Roger Manier of Flemingsburg, Kentucky, Kennedy Caudill of Corbin, Kentucky and Kaycee Perkins of Morehead, Kentucky. One son, Jonathan Norris of Ewing, Kentucky. His fiancé, Kelcey Dickerson Day and her children: Jama Steele, Justin and Khloe all of Flemingsburg, Kentucky. Four sisters Bernice Haney of Clearfield, Kentucky, Linda Ballard of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky, Faye Harper of Flemingsburg, Kentucky and Susie Law of Morehead. Five grandchildren: Nevaeh Wilson, Kylen Wilson, Lexis Wilson, Bryx Wilson and Roger Manier, Jr. One great-grandchild, Reese Vice. Also, several nieces, nephews and other relatives and many friends.

Billy Joe is also survived by his loyal dog "Lady" who he affectionately referred to as "Ladybug" 

Funeral services will be conducted 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, May 28, 2025, at the Michael R Gray Funeral Home in Morehead, Kentucky. Visitation will be from 12:00 PM until the hour of the service on Wednesday.

The Michael R. Gray funeral Home, 808 Old Flemingsburg Road, Morehead, Kentucky is caring for all arrangements for Billy Joe Caudill and his family.