Billy Ray Horton

Billy Ray Horton was born on May 16, 1940 to Bobbie and Ray Horton in Ripley, TN. His father Ray was killed in action during World War II, and his mother passed in 2001. Billy was the oldest of his four siblings. He was especially proud to have been born minutes before his twin sister Dorothy. His brothers Robert Horton and Michael Horton proceeded him in death.

The family relocated to Meadville, PA where he graduated from Meadville Senior High School in 1959. He lettered in track and field.

Billy joined the Army and was stationed in Germany during his term of service. When he returned from the service he moved to Long Beach, CA and was employed by McDonald Douglas for 35 years until his retirement.

In 1968 he met Martha Sue Gaines and they were married on February 15, 1969. February 15th would have been their 56th wedding anniversary. You may question why they didn’t marry on the Valentine Day. They were at the jewelers picking out their wedding rings and it took so long, by the time they reached the courthouse it was too late to get married. They informed them to come back the following day so the ceremony could be performed.

Billy was the relative you called for anything. He was the one you called to teach you how to drive a stick shift, to teach you how to parallel park, change a tire, do an oil change, tune up your car, or fix anything in your house. His pride and joy was his tools, which you could not borrow or touch. His passion was American made automobiles, in fact he loved anything with an engine in it.

He loved watching auto and drag racing and attended several auto racing events. He would purchase cars with the intention of restoring them, however, he usually end up selling them for someone else to complete the restoration.

He was the family’s disciplinarian and the “stand in” father figure for all the nephews and nieces. If he told you to get in the car and let’s go for a ride, you can bet you were in some kind of trouble. He would drive you around and advise you get your act together.

Billy dedicated his life to his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ under the leadership of Pastor John McClung at Living Word Missionary Baptist Church in Long Beach, CA. He was a beloved Sunday School teacher. After retiring, Billy and Martha moved to Cedar Hills, TX in 2001. In 2005 they joined in fellowship with Cedar Heights Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. David Bradley.

Billy entered into eternal rest on Monday, February 10th. Billy leaves to cherish his memory his wife Martha, two sisters Dorothy Sampson, Bellfower, CA, Juanita Horton, Compton, CA, ; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, friends and the Cedar Heights Baptist Church family.