Billy Ray Hardcastle

Billy Ray Hardcastle, passed away at the age of 85, on August 2, 2024 at his home in Cypress, Texas. Billy was born to Chester Mason & Ethel Rose Hardcastle on June 24, 1939, in Wharton, Texas. Billy went into the U.S. Navy in 1958. After receiving an honorable discharge, he worked at the Victoria Fire Department, and then joined the U.S. Coast Guard. In 1968, Billy was hired by Dupont where he worked for 26 years.

Billy met the love of his life, Gayle Hardcastle in 1962, and were married almost 62 years. They were blessed to travel to many different states and some overseas trips.

Billy loved to dance, listen to fifties music, and play the harmonica. He was very passionate about playing cards and dominoes. Billy was very good with oil paints, ink and was an excellent draftsman. He was the go-to guy for everyone when they needed anything fixed. He LOVED food, was an excellent cook, and had amazing taste buds. Billy loved spending time with his grandsons by spending hours playing video games and telling them his life stories.

He was a deacon at Northside Baptist Church in Victoria. One of his greatest joys was teaching ESL classes on Wednesday nights for 10 years and made many wonderful friends. Billy and Gayle were members of the Victoria Civilian Police Academy Alumni Association and County Sheriff Department and enjoyed participating with these organizations

Billy’s love for others was seldom found in public displays, but instead reserved to those moments of quiet selflessness, the joy in sharing conversation, all felt within his steady spirit. In this same way, his faith in the Lord was as steady and humble as it was fierce.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Ethel Hardcastle, his brother Archie Hardcastle, and his sisters Florine Holloway and Lucille Hawkins. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Gayle Hardcastle, daughter Shana (John) Donnan, son Scott (Sarah) Hardcastle, and daughter Paige (James) Brandon; grandchildren, David (McKinley) Donnan, Michael (Bailey) Donnan, Matthew Donnan, Luke Brandon, and Wyatt Brandon.

Please make donations in lieu of flowers to Samaritan’s Purse or the American Cancer Society.

A visitation for Billy will be held Thursday, August 8, 2024 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brookside Funeral Home-Cypress Cr, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095. A funeral service will occur Friday, August 9, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095. A reception will occur Friday, August 9, 2024 from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 9149 Highway 6 North, Houston, TX 77095.