Billy Ray Burns

Billy Ray Burns, 68 of Bledsoe, Ky, passed away January 29, 2025 at ARH Hazard Hospital. He was born on December 5, 1956 to the late Carlo Burns Sr. and Flora Bailey Burns. 

He was a servant of his community and county, working for the county of Harlan for 14 years. He was a well-known man and did his best to visit those who suffered in our community and keep them in warm company. He loved to spend time with his family, friends, and people in the broader community. He loved the Kentucky Wildcats and enjoyed watching games with his grandson. Also loved playing cards with his nephews. He enjoyed looking for ginseng, hickory chickens, four wheeling, and just being out in the woods with the people he loved. He traveled to many places, but I think for him the most important part wasn't really the places he went to but the people he brought along with him. 

Billy Ray is preceded in death by his Parents, Carlo Burns Sr. and Flora Bailey Burns; Brother, Carlo Burns Jr.; Sisters, Nancy Hensley, Riva May Burns, Frankie Asher, Faye Burns and many special friends that he also saw as family. 

He is survived by his Wife, Mary Ellen Burns; Sisters, Irene Farley, Rachel Miniard, and Tootie "Norma" Patterson; Nephews, Tom Asher Jr. (Cotton), Frank Farley, Vincent Paul Ward, Tony Gross, Tony Gross Jr., Randy Miniard, Gary Miniard, Shawn Patterson, Michael Patterson and their wives and his nieces. He is also survived by his Children, Charlotte Ellen Coldiron and her Husband Theodore Coldiron, Terry Lee Smith (Bubba) and his Wife Lisa Marie Smith and Angie Lewis; Five Grandsons, Michael "Pooh Bear" Moses and Wife Lacey Moses, Theodore Keith Coldiron (Theo), Andrew McClain Tolliver (Andy) and his companion, Samantha Fields, Brayden Spurlock and Gavin Spurlock; Granddaughters, Andrea Finch and Aubreigh Spurlock; Great Grandchildren, Chesney Lola Rayne Moses, Jaylend Tolliver, and Emily Tolliver and by many special friends in his community. Also, two special Sisters in law, Jane Ann Smith and Geneva Brewer.

Visitation will be Monday, February 3, 2025 from 12PM to 2PM in the Chapel of Mount Pleasant Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 2PM with Trey Farley officiating. Burial will follow at the Burns Cemetery with her Son, Grandsons and Nephews serve as pallbearers.

Mount Pleasant Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Billy Ray Burns.