William E. “Billy” Ray, 63, of Topeka, KS passed away Sunday, October 16, 2016 in Topeka. He was born March 6, 1953, at Langley AFB, VA, the son of Frank E. and Mary Lou (Meston) Ray.

Billy lived in several states growing up, but when his dad retired from the Air Force, the family moved back to the home town of Holton, KS. Billy played football for the Holton Wildcats during high school and graduated from Holton High School in 1973.  He had a wonderful singing voice and performed in plays at HHS as well as being in the men’s choir. He attended Butler Community College for about a year and a half. He also performed in plays at Butler, where his singing voice was admired by many. He decided to go into the service and joined the United States Marine Corps. In 1976 he received an honorable discharge due to medical issues.

Billy had several hobbies when he was young. He worked on model airplanes and vehicles. He loved to go fishing with his brother, sister, grandpa and dad. When he was older, he had to stay in a nursing home. His dad would take him out to go bowling, bring him home to help around the house with chores, go fishing, to a movie and come home for the holidays; especially Thanksgiving family reunions. Those were good times and good memories for all of the family.

Billy’s parents, Frank and Mary Lou, preceded him in death.

He is survived by one brother, Michael Ray of Topeka, KS; two sisters, Debra Davis (Ed) of Holton, KS and Susan Starbird (Jason) of Andover, KS and his step-mother, Kay Jones-Ray of Topeka, KS. Billy never married but he was very devoted to his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, October 20, 2016 at the Mercer Funeral Home in Holton. Burial will follow in the Holton Cemetery. Family will greet friends from 10:00 a.m. until service time. Memorial may be given to the Heart of Jackson Humane Society, Holton V.F.W. Post 1367 or The First United Methodist Church in Holton c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436. To leave a special message for the family, please visit www.mercerfuneralhomes.com.