Billy Ray

BILLY D. RAY

Billy D. Ray, age 87, of Luray, MO, died peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, February 3, 2015, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.

Billy was born August 17, 1927 at Stahl, MO, a son of Roy and Minnie Mae Allen
Ray.

He married Betty J. Davis on May 8, 1946 at Marshalltown, IA.

Survivors include his wife, Betty, of the home; one daughter, Sharon Hopp of Kahoka; two daughters-in-law, Jeannie Ray and Terry Ray Matlock, both of Kahoka; grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great granddaughter: Brad (Brenda) Hopp of Toulon, IL, ~ Olivia and Brett; Dusty Ray (Diana Warner) of Luray, MO ~ Audrey (Aaron) Barber, and their daughter,Veronica, andTrevor, Wyatt, and Dakota Ray; Candy (Brad) Kirchner of Wyaconda ~ Cadence, Brock and Carley; Darin Boatman of Kahoka ~ Brendahn, Wendy Ray of Kahoka ~ Jayvin and Ashlyn, Nichole Ray of Kahoka ~ Robbie and D. J. Anderson, Tyann (Eric) Gray of Canton ~ Dalanie and Cohyn Jury; Stuart Jury of Bonaparte, Derek Ray (Andrea Harvey) of Wyaconda ~ Kaitlyn Zinnert and Haile Ray, and Kyle (Amber) Ray of Kahoka ~ Annaleese Smith and Jacki and Jeri Ray; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Ronnie (Karen) Davis, Robert (Evonne) Davis, Edna Ray, Rose Marie (Marlin) Gardner and Skip Davis, all of Marshalltown, IA; his dog and faithful companion, Hunter "Little Buddy"; as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Ernest and Elsie Davis; three sons, Larry, Jerry and Roy Ray; two grandchildren, Rusty Ray and Tammie Boatman; three brothers and two sisters: Cecil, Robert, Harry, Rita and Peggy Ray; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Harry and Evelyn Davis, Ernest "Jr." and Ruth Davis, Audrey Davis, Donnie Davis and Francis and Mary Ann Hines.

Billy was a U. S. Army veteran, serving during WWII in the Phillipine islands. He had been associated with the V.F.W. for a period of time.

He had been a lineman and construction worker and farmer in earlier years. He retired from Clark Co. where he was the road crew supervisor for 18 years.

Billy loved horses and was a former member of the Mt. Sterling Saddle Club. He also loved the Clark Co. Mule Fest and pulling mules. Camping was a favorite past time and going to Rutledge to the dog sale. He enjoyed hunting, especially coon. He played the position of pitcher on several baseball teams. He also played the guitar and banjo and played for many square dances and other get togethers in the area.

He loved his family and once you "joined" you were forever a part of it. He cherished his beautiful bride of 68+ years, had a wonderful attitude, and often made the comment "there are a lot of good people out there".

Funeral services were held Friday, February 6, 2015 at 10 a.m. at Wilson Funeral Home with Pastor Shawn McAfee officiating. Burial with military rites followed in the Kahoka Cemetery.

Friends registered on Thursday between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There was no other visitation.

Memorials are suggested to the family.

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