Billy Ray English

BILLY RAY ENGLISH

“He Lived a Good, Clean Life”

Bill was born on September 8, 1930, in Childress, Texas, to parents Oscar and Winnie English. He passed away peacefully at the home of his daughter, Julie Ortiz, on December 5, 2025, in Friant, CA, at the age of 95.

He married Lupe Ortiz in 1957 and had three children: Julie Ortiz (John Harbin), Sarah Tatum (Darin), and Billy English (Shawna). He also raised and loved Lupe’s four young children from her previous marriage: Esther Reyes (Jim Grimes), Danny Smith (Linda), Linda Vasquez, and Rick Smith. Bill also loved his daughter-in-law, Marlene Smith, whom he considered his fifth daughter. Surviving Bill are his seven children, and grandchildren Johnny Harbin, Felicia Carlson, Zane Tatum, Brittany De Leon, Paige Gallegos, Carlos Reyes, Angelica Reyes Waters, Melina Reyes, Anna Freeman, Danny Smith Jr., John Cabrera, Jason Cabrera, Raquel Vasquez, and Rick Smith Jr. He is also survived and loved by numerous great-grandchildren, nephew and nieces.

Bill was a cowboy in his youth and worked on neighboring ranches in and around Childress, Texas. He especially liked working with horses and going to rodeos. Bill served in the US Army from 1952-1954 and spent some of that time in Paris, France. After his stint in the army, Bill worked mostly in construction and retired from W. M. Lyles Company. He had a reputation for being a hard worker and was an excellent provider for his large family. During his retirement years, Bill enjoyed reminiscing about his time growing up in Texas, attending family gatherings, and playing bunco on family game days. He especially enjoyed listening to traditional country music, with his favorite song being “On the Wings of a Dove” by Ferlin Husky.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, brother Oscar, sister Christine, and grandchildren Victoria Ortiz and Mario Reyes.

Bill was loved by his family and will be fondly remembered by his family and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Whitehurst Sullivan Burns & Blair Funeral Home, located at 836 E Nees Ave, Fresno, California, 93720. The service is scheduled for January 20, 2026, at 11:00 am.