Billy Ray Ware of Van Vleck passed away on Friday February 9, 2018. He was born on September 13, 1941 in Bay City, TX to the late Edward and Laura Ruth (Kennedy) Ware. Billy was an avid deer hunter, fisherman, domino player, and could cook excellent barbeque.

He was a hard worker he started with Dow in 1969 as an Electrician and retired in 1996 with over 26 years of dedication. Billy was his name but his kids and close friends called him "Pops". He loved his family and was very proud at how successful his sons were, and bragged on them often. He never met a stranger and once you became his friend you were his friend for life. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Kimberly Diane Ware; brothers, Edward Ware, Larry Ware; twin brother, Jerry Ware; sisters, Jean Kirkland, and Melba Anderson.

He is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Patricia "Pat" Murphey Ware; sons, Billy Ray "Sonny" Ware Jr. of Bay City, Matthew Lee Ware of Mont Belvieu, TX., Craig Ware and wife Alyce of Rosharon, TX, Shane Ware and wife Misty of Angleton, TX.; grandchildren, Josh Shafer, Ashley Shafer Conway, Kala Briel Ware, Bryson Matthew Ware, and Addyson Ware; step-grandchildren, Jarred Hintze, Ashlyn Hintze; great-grandchildren; Hallie Shafer, Lincoln Conway, and Grayson Ray Campbell.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, February 13, 2018 from 5-8pm at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Graveside Services will be 2pm Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Roselawn Memorial Park.

A gathering will take place at the Neon Moon Club on 7th Street in Bay City following services.