Billy Delbert Ray, 86, died Sunday, January 28, 2017, at his home in Memphis. He was born March 7, 1930, in Itawamba County to James Sullivan and Mary Ellen Wilson Ray. He attended Mantachie Elementary schools and graduated from Itawamba Agricultural High School. He graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in electrical engineering. He was a lieutenant in the United States Navy, serving in the Korean War. He worked at Wilco Company in Memphis and did consulting work for most of his life. He enjoyed playing board games and the piano, and watching Mississippi State play football.
Memorial services will be at 2 p. m. Saturday, February 4, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Royce Hawkins officiating. Burial will be in Stephens Cemetery.
Survivors include one sister, Mary Alice Ray Wilson of Germantown, TN; several nieces and nephews, and great nieces.
He was preceded in death by two brothers, his twin brother, Dr. Robert Elbert Ray, and Jack Ray; one sister, Mary Marie Ray Roberts; and his parents.
Visitation will be from 1 p. m. until service time Saturday at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.
