Billy Ray Staley

STALEY, BILLY RAY – age 77 of Knoxville, passed away peacefully in his home on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. He was born February 17, 1937 to the late Thomas H. Staley and Hannah Lawson Staley. He served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Plymouth Rock and retired from Uster Technology (formerly SpinLab) after 46 years of service. Mr. Staley was of Baptist faith and a member of Meadow View Baptist Church. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. Preceded in death by brothers, Frank Staley & W.C. Staley. Survivors: loving wife of 54 years, Jerrie Staley; daughter & son-in-law, Kim & Mickey Tilley; son & daughter-in-law, Tommy & Kathy Staley; daughter & son-in-law Deanna & Mark Wentworth; 5 grandchildren: Shane, Dustin, Vanessa, Tommy Jr. and Miranda; 7 great grandchildren; brother, Fred E. Staley, Sr & wife Mitsuko of Florida; sister, Glenda S. Tucker & husband Bob of North Carolina; sister-in-law, Mary Staley; many nieces, nephews, aunts & uncles. The family would like to extend thanks and appreciation to Florence Hayden, C.N.A. and UT Hospice. Receiving of friends will be held from 5 - 7 pm, Friday, May 30th, funeral service to follow at 7 pm at Berry Funeral Home with Rev. Ronnie Lawson officiating. Interment in Woodlawn Cemetery at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31st. Pallbearers include grandsons, Shane and Dustin Tilley; Son-in-law, Mark Wentworth; Nephews, Terry, Larry and Jeff Staley. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at 200 Prosperity Drive in Knoxville, TN 37923. Online condolences may be offered at www.berryfuneralhome.com