Billy Lee Ray, 86, of Sweeny, Tx passed away on Sunday, May 7, 2023. Born May 10, 1936, in Palacios, Tx to the late Richard "Dick" Ray, Sr. and Katie Annie (Williams) Ray.

Billy graduated with a diploma from Palacios High School in 1956. During his childhood, he enjoyed playing tennis, baseball, and going fishing.

He went on to receive a diploma in Radio & TV Repair and he was a Certified Locksmith, earning him the "Master Pick" award from Frigidaire (then an appliance division of GME). He began working in appliance repair in 1958 in Palacios before moving to Lake Jackson, Tx in 1964 to work for Jack Reid appliances. After John Champagne bought out the business, he continued working for "Champagne's" until his retirement in 2019. Additionally, Billy also worked as a union Moving Picture Machine Operator for 14 years at various theaters throughout the Brazoria area.

In December 1979, he and his family moved from Palacios to Sweeny, Tx where he became an active member of the First Baptist Church. In his later years, he continued his love of fishing and found a joy for metal detecting, traveling, camping, and collecting coins of every variety. In recent years, he found community and friendship among those at the Bulldog, Sit and Be Fit, and the notorious gang of "Chicken Foot" players.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gladys Mae (Simpson) Ray of Palacios, Tx (married June 18, 1960); their son, Terry Lee Ray (Cherry King) of Plantersville, Ms. and his older brother, Staff Sgt. Richard Ray, Jr. Survivors include granddaughter Katherine Michelle Ray Peterson (Craig Peterson, Jr.) of Tacoma, WA.; sister Betty Jo Rusk of Bay City; two step-grandsons Robert Brandon Sipple of Lake Jackson and Tyson Lloyd Sipple (Sara Matula) of Victoria; and five grandchildren.

Visitation will begin at 9 AM on Wednesday, May 17 ^, 2023, at the First Baptist Church in Sweeny. Funeral Services will be at 10 AM. Interment will follow at Ashby Cemetery. Pallbearers are Geran Rusk, Robert Brandon Sipple, Tyson Lloyd Sipple, Doug Devoe, Clayton Orr, and Rodney Earles. Pat Patterson is named Honorary Pallbearer.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, please consider donations to the Children's Department at the First Baptist Church of Sweeny, Tx.