Billy Ray Kerr

Billy Ray Kerr entered into Heaven Wednesday, August 16, 2023 at the age of 94 years. He was born April 4, 1929, in Plainview, Texas, but spent most of his youth in Baytown, Texas, graduating from Lee High School. Billy was a dedicated student and completed both his undergraduate studies and law degree at the University of Texas in only five years.

Billy proudly served in the U.S. Army and was a member of the Counter Intelligence Corps (Army CIC), where he was stationed at Fort Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. Later when already a practicing attorney, Billy received orders to report to Stuttgart, Germany, where he worked for the U.S. Department of State processing post-war refugees wishing to emigrate to the United States.

Out of law school, Billy joined the Harris County Attorney’s office where he would spend over thirty years, most of it as First Assistant County Attorney. During these years, one of Billy’s proudest achievements was his oversight of the legal aspects of developing the Harris County Domed Stadium – commonly known as the Astrodome. He eventually retired from Harris County, and immediately formed a private practice law partnership with Thomas B. “Tody” Dupont. Dupont & Kerr, Attorneys at Law enjoyed many professional successes, and this endeavor allowed Billy to work full-time on something dear to his heart – representing and protecting the “little guy.” Altogether, he practiced law more than 50 years. Billy was sensitive and compassionate, and he spent his life uniquely committed to maximizing good for society, and helping those who could not help themselves.

In June 1961, Billy married his beautiful fiancé, Helen Spearman. They remained faithfully married for more than 62 years. To his final day, Billy was committed to caring for Helen in every way. Together, they provided a beautiful example of a dedicated marriage and balanced parenting to their children.

Billy was a brilliant man filled with innate curiosity. He considered himself a “collector,” and his interests ranged from cameras of every vintage, to clocks and watches, to mathematical slide rules of every size and shape. His collections knew no bounds, and Billy took great pleasure in the hunt for rare examples of the objects that so fascinated him. For his children, growing up in the Kerr household was normal, but for visiting friends, it was akin to living in a museum.

Billy made his public profession of faith in Jesus and was baptized as a young boy. He and Helen spent 60 years as faithful members of Memorial Baptist Church. Even with the pandemic lockdown and increasingly limited mobility, he and Helen actively participated in church through online streaming.

Left to cherish his memory are Billy’s loving wife, Helen Kerr, his daughter, Sharon McMath (Dale), and his son Randall Kerr (Patricia). Billy adored, and was incredibly proud of his grandchildren, Bailey, Gentry, Evan, and Avery. He was especially blessed by his four great grandchildren (and the one due in January).

Billy Kerr serves as a magnificent testament to a life of selflessness and service. It was a beautiful life, well lived.

The family will host a memorial service for Billy in the chapel at Memorial Baptist Church on Sunday, August 20, at 3:00pm.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Kerr family.