Former Kentucky Guard Linville Puckett and his wife, Jody Rider Puckett, were blessed with three children.
A Winchester native who later settled in Harrodsburg, former Kentucky guard Linville Puckett, born on July 27, 1933, passed away on April 27, 2025, at the age of 91.
His celebration of life will take place on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, in Lexington, located at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road.
Puckett was a high school legend in the state at Clark County, suiting up in four Sweet 16 tournaments while being selected as a three-time All-State honoree, including two MVP Awards.
Leading the school to its first state championship in 1951, he was recruited by 32 colleges before signing with Kentucky under Adolph Rupp.
While playing for the Wildcats, he scored 259 career points across 38 games, hitting double figures in 11 matchups in blue and white.
Starting on the historic 1954 undefeated squad, joining the likes of Cliff Hagan, Frank Ramsey, and Lou Tsioropoulos to help the Cats go a perfect 25-0 before being awarded the 1954 Helms national Championship while finishing ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll.
Later, he built and ran several businesses before working with the State of Kentucky within the Parks & Recreation and Highway Roads Departments.
Kentucky Hall Of Fame Athlete Linville Puckett Married Jody Rider Puckett In 1956
Jody always supported Linville in balancing his personal and professional life.
Sadly, their marriage ended after 69 years following Linville’s tragic death.
Close friends and relatives have offered their heartfelt condolences and prayed for Jody Rider Puckett to stay strong during this heartbreaking moment.
Jody has avoided the media spotlight, so little information about her life is available.
Jody Rider Puckett And Linville Puckett Were Blessed With Three Children And Four Grandchildren
Former Kentucky guard Linville Puckett and Jody Rider had three children: Jo-Lin, Linnie, and Tony Puckett.
According to Linnie’s Facebook handle, he is originally from Winchester, Kentucky, but lives in Lexington.
He attended George Rogers Clark High School and has worked at Toyota Motor Manufacturing since August 1995.
On July 30, 2023, Linnie wished his father Linville a happy 90th birthday. He took to his Facebook and wrote,
90th birthday celebration! Dads a happy camper!
Linnie Puckett
On April 30, 2025, Linnie recently posted his father’s picture as a tribute. In the comment section, friends and relatives poured their heartfelt condolences.
One person wrote,
I’m so sorry for your loss, Linnie!
Aimee Bordas Giddings
Another person wrote,
So sorry for your loss
Mila Ensor
Linville’s daughter, Jo-Lin, was married to Paul Joseph Griffiths, a warehouse receiver for Ractor Supply in Winchester.
Paul was born on November 26, 1964, in North Conway and passed away on Monday, January 18, 2010, at the age of 55.
A memorial service was held on January 22, 2010, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Linville’s second son, Tony, married Cheryl Puckett, with whom he had one son and one daughter.
In addition, Linville had four grandchildren: Clayton Dalton, Quin Puckett, Christen Puckett, and Landon Puckett.
Landon lives in Nashville, Tennessee, and attended West Jessamine High School. He attended Belmont University and later joined the University of Kentucky.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- In the 1954-55 season, Linville Puckett played 14 games and scored 136 points.
- Linville was born to his father, Owen, and his mother, Molly Burl Hall Puckett. He grew up with his siblings: Flossie, Clarence, Cecil, Ida Chism, Carl, Elizabeth Lightner, Virgil, Betty, Billy, and Omer “Frosty.”
