Former Kentucky guard Linville Puckett passes away at 91

A Winchester native who later settled down in Harrodsburg, former Kentucky guard Linville Puckett has died at the age of 91. Born in 1993, the former Wildcat passed away on April 27, the family announced.

He was a high school legend in the state at Clark County, suiting up in four Sweet 16 state 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 college before signing with Kentucky under Adolph Rupp.

As a Wildcat, he scored 259 career points across 38 games, hitting the double-figure mark in 11 matchups in blue and white. His greatest achievement at Kentucky? 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. It’s one of the best teams in program history and Puckett played a significant role.

He would go on to finish his career at Kentucky Wesleyan. After that, he went on to build and run several businesses before working with the State of Kentucky within the Parks & Recreation and Highway Roads Departments.

“Though our hearts are heavy, we know Linville wouldn’t want too many tears,” his obituary reads. “He would want us to cherish the memories we shared, and the jokes he told, throughout a life well lived.”

His Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, May 14 in Lexington, located at Kerr Brothers Funeral Home on Harrodsburg Road.

Take a walk down memory lane with Puckett at Kentucky as we celebrate the former Wildcat’s life:

Once a Cat, always a Cat. Rest in peace, Mr. Puckett.