Billy Ray Mills

Billy grew up in the Highland Park area of Dallas. He attended the University of Arizona, in Tucson, where he attained his Bachelor of Agriculture degree. Billy was a man of many talents; he was the captain of the rodeo team at the University of Arizona, a professional bull rider, and a horse jockey.

Billy spent his professional career in the airline industry. He was first hired by Texas International Airlines. After a 38 year career, Billy retired as Captain from Continental Airlines. Prior to his career with Continental Airlines, Billy was personal friends and private airline pilot to General Mills and Bomber Bait Company owner Van Ellis. Billy also gave flying lessons and became close friends with two time World Championship Bull Rider Larry Mahan.

Early in life Billy enjoyed competing in skeet and trap shooting. Later he became interested in long range black powder competitive shooting. Billy and Micki enjoyed traveling annually to Raton, New Mexico where he competed in the 1000 meter black powder shooting competitions at the NRA Whitington Center.

Billy was quick- witted and always had a good story to tell. As unbelievable as they may have sounded, his stories were most certainly true.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Kimberly Jo Mills. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Micki, daughter, Casey Ratzlaff and husband Matt, grandchildren, CalebTodd, McKenzee, Conrad, Cody, and Carson Ratzlaff, brother-in-law, Dennis Etherton and wife Anneliese, nephew, James Etherton, niece, Kelly Forrest and husband Stephen also special canine buddy, Kodi.