Billy Raper age 74 of Bear Creek, Al, passed away Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the UAB Hospital in Birmingham, AL.
Billy was born in Hackleburg, AL and has lived in Bear Creek for over 50 years. He is a retired teacher and coach. He taught and coached for 31 years at Phillips High School in Bear Creek. During his tenure at Phillips he was a 2 time Alabama State Champion as Head Girls Basketball Coach in 1985 and 1986. He was also the Alabama 1A Coach of the Year in 1985 & 1986. After retiring from Alabama, Billy taught and coached in Tremont, MS for 14 years before retiring from the educational system. He truly loved his job and all the memories made with his students and athletes.
Billy is survived by his wife of 53 years, Judy Daniel (Hudson) Raper; son, Jonathan and wife Deedra; their two sons, Ridge and Sage Raper; son, Brannon Raper ; and his two daughters Rian and Jayleigh and their mom Candie Kelley; tow brothers, Jimmy Raper and Wayman (Tootie) Raper (Gina);and one sister Maddie Bell Raper. A host of nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Minnie Bell Raper; brothers, Curt Raper, Junior Ray Raper, and Gurvis Raper.
Services held Sunday at 3 p.m. from the Phillips High School Gym in Bear Creek, AL with burial in the Union Hill Cemetery in Hackleburg, AL.
Visitation will be Sunday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Phillips High School Gym.
Pallbearers will be Heath Lewis, Tommy Marshall, Chris Nix, Randy Pike, Dewayne Swinney and Scott Veal.
The family would like to say a special Thank You to all the doctors and nurses at Russellville Hospital and UAB Hospital. And also Norwood Funeral Home in Guin, AL.
