Billie Jean Ray

Billie was born September 23, 1935 to William Ted Moore and “Lena” Mary Magelene Cox, in Florence, Texas. The Moore’s were a robust family of five girls: Ruth, Hazel, Billie, Joyce, Dorothy, and followed later by little brother Kenneth.

When asked about her fondest childhood memories, she would say, “living in Austin.” In those days it was still a relatively small town. “I loved going to the movies at Paramount Theatre on Congress Avenue (which still stands today) and going to school.”

Billie married Odie Ray, whom she loved dearly, and had her own brood of five: David, Tina, Buster, Donna and Denise. Her children were her pride and joy, and she was happiest when they were all under one roof having traditional family holiday dinners and celebrations.

A lot of history passed through Billie’s lifetime: Several wars, commercial air flights: a man on the moon, and women started taking more control over their lives. They began working outside the home. Many became working single Moms. And eventually Billie was one of them. She started working in an industrial hardware warehouse, and before it was all said and done - she was a supervisor and practically managed that warehouse. A woman boss! Now that was different. She was hard working and guided her children to do the same. They were taught to be self-sufficient and to tackle a problem with common sense.

Later in life she married Jimmy Gardner, a proud Vietnam Vet. They loved to go boot scootin’ and spent many precious years together. They were deeply in love and were always there for one another.

Billie loved to sketch draw and oil paint. She loved decorating and painting her home. Another all-encompassing love was gardening. Her green thumb was the envy of many. She mowed, dug, weeded, snipped, and planted almost daily. In recent years if you called and she hadn’t done one of the above - well you knew it was rainin’ or Billie was not feelin’ up to snuff.

The end of Billie’s life was on her own terms. She was living alone, driving, shopping and enjoying family. She left this world leaving quite the legacy as the matriarch of her family. Through all of life’s trials and tribulations Billie trusted Jesus.

There is no doubt Billie is at peace as she is finally with her Heavenly Father and reunited with those family members who have preceded her in death, especially her beloved children, Donna and David.

Billie’s Legacy consists of:

Children: David Ray, Tina Stewart, Odie (Buster) Ray, Donna Ray, Denise & husband Todd Blackwell.

Grandchildren: Melanie Ray, Landon Ray, Jacklyn & husband Juan Estrada, Odie Ray III, Jessica & husband Raymon Delgado.

Great Grandchildren: Halie Jolly, Juan Jr. & sister Breanna Estrada, Isaiah Delgado.