Billy Ray graduated from Bossier High, class of ’56 and has maintained some lifelong friendships with his classmates. He was a Navy Veteran and served aboard the USS Randolph in Portsmouth, VA from 1958-1961. He retired as an engineer of 42 years from Illinois Central Railroad and KCS Railroad. In addition, he served for 20 years as Local Chairman of the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason. Billy Ray worked at the Louisiana State Fair for 20 years starting out at the gate and working his way up to the Superintendent position until 1986. Billy Ray was a former member of the Men’s Club of Northwood and spent many happy hours golfing with his friends. He never met a stranger. He had a quick wit and delighted in making someone laugh.
He was preceded in death by his mother, C.V. Hutchins; step-father, Bobby Hutchins; father, Raymond Davis; step-mother I.V. (Patty) Davis and brother, Jerry Don Wood and sisters, Sylvia McCoy and Tisa Whitley.
Billy Ray is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Kathy Davis; his daughters, Babbi Davis McGee (Scott) and Bridget Davis Benton (Tommy); grandchildren, Mandi Rowell Maddox (Dusty), Rachel McGee Wardell (Michael), Matthew McGee (Alexis) and Lauren Benton Ocmand (Jared); great grandchildren, Lillie Maddox, Dylan Maddox, Davis Maddox, Ellie McGee, Benton Ocmand and Emersyn Ocmand; brother, John Davis (Marion) and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
A Memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 at Hill Crest Memorial Chapel with Pastor Heath Peloquin, of Summer Grove Baptist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00 p.m. until service time. Interment at Northwest Louisiana Veterans Cemetery will be held at a later date.
The family would like to thank the staff of Willis Knighton for their compassionate care and consideration to the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.
