Billy Ray Adams, 84 years old, of Madison, Mississippi passed away Thursday, June 1st in his home. Billy Ray was born on October 18th, 1938 to William Franklin Adams and Flora Mae Kelly in Reform, Alabama. He grew up in Columbus, Mississippi and attended Ole Miss on a football scholarship. While at Ole Miss he was elected to the Associated Student Body Hall of Fame and was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 1987 and the Ole Miss Athletic Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2003, he was selected a Southeastern Conference Legend, representing Ole Miss at the SEC Football Championship game in Atlanta.
Billy Ray had a passion for his family, his faith and athletics throughout his life. He was a partner of Barksdale Bonding and Insurance and devoted his spare time in teaching and molding young men with his competitive spirit in virtually any sport imaginable. Billy Ray and D.J. have been active members of First Baptist Church of Jackson for over 30 years.
He is survived by his loving wife D.J. Bearden Adams, his two sons Brad and David (Britt), and his grandchildren Peyton Adams and Makenna Adams Phillips (Cole).
A funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church of Jackson on Monday, June 5th at 12:00 noon. Visitation will follow the service at 1:00 pm.
Memorial contributions may be made in Billy Ray's name to the Ole Miss M-Club by mail to 651 Grove Loop University, MS 38677 or to the Catch A Dream Foundation online at www.catchadream.org/donate/.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.parkwayfuneralhomeridgeland.com for the Adams family.
