Billy B. Ray, age 78, of the South Toe Community, passed away on Tuesday, November 29th, 2022 at Mission Hospital. A native of Yancey County, he was a son of the late Ozain and Eula Styles Ray. He was also preceded by a sister, Grace Woody; brothers: Frank, Earl, James, Bobby, Ken and Clarence; grandson, Daniel Scott Ray; and brothers-in-law: Kerry Laseter, Howard Campbell and Larry Deal. Billy was a member of the Auctioneers Association for 35 years and a member of the Jacks Creek Baptist Association.
Surviving is his loving wife of 54 years, Davia Deal Ray; children: Teresa Ray, Timothy Earl Ray, Tammy Blevins (Coy), Tonya Holsonback (Johnny), Tony Ray (Elizabeth) and Titus Ray (Lorena); seventeen grandchildren; twenty three great-grandchildren and two on the way; sister, Jewel Ray Autrey; sisters-in-law: Martha Campbell and Debbie Vann (Ron), all of Dothan, AL, and Mrs. Frank Ray of Unicoi, TN; and brothers-in-law: Terry Laseter and Ricky Laseter (Diane). Several nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.
Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. on Saturday, December 10th in the chapel of Yancey Funeral Services. Rev. Ralph Hedrick will officiate. Burial will follow in the Cornelius Ray Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the services at the funeral home. To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
