Billy Ray Rivers

Billy Ray Rivers, Sr, 53, died April 17, 2008 in Tillatoba, MS. Billy was born July 1, 1954 in Monroe, LA, the son of Willie B. and Leatha Ann Reed Rivers. He married Eva Mae Harris on July 3, 1986 in Springfield. Billy graduated from high school in Monroe, LA. He was employed with the Springfield Association for Retarded Citizens where he was a Program Manager for Janitorial Training. He was also the owner and operator of Environmental Cleaning Services Company. In his free time, Billy was an avid outdoorsman, taking time to enjoy hunting, fishing, and camping. Billy was an active member of the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall, East Congregation. Preceding Billy in death were his parents, Willie B. and Leatha Ann Rivers and his brother, Wilfred Charles Rivers. He is survived by his wife, Eva Mae Rivers of Springfield; his sons, Billy Ray Rivers, Jr. and William Bilal Rivers both of Springfield; his step-son, Timothy P. Tatum of Los Angeles, CA; his grandchild, Ne'Vaeh Rayshawn Macon; three step-grandchildren, Timothy P. Tatum, Jr., Micaela Iman Tatum, Zacari Ani Tatum; his brothers, Willie B. Rivers, Jr. and Roger Thomas Rivers both of West Monroe, LA; his sisters, Gloria Rivers of Los Angeles, CA, Evangeline Rivers and Jacqeline Rivers both of West Monroe, LA; three aunts, Mildred Griffin, Dottie Rivers and Holocene Branson all of West Monroe, LA; as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Family will receive friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, April 25, 2008 at Kirlin-Egan and Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield. Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following the visitation. A memorial ceremony will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 26, 2008 at Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall, 3079 Normandy Rd., Springfield, IL 62703 with Larry Daugherty officiating.