Billy Ray Lakes

The Life, Reflection, and Legacy of Mr. Billy Ray Lakes

Billy Ray Lakes was born on May 15, 1954, in Dallas, Texas, to the proud parents Willie Lakes and Betty Jean Byrd Lakes of Forney, Texas. As a young man, Billy was a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Later, he joined Greater Garden Baptist Church, where he was an active member and served faithfully in the Men’s Ministry as well as the Parking Lot Ministry. On March 23, 2025, Billy fulfilled his earthly duties and entered eternal rest.

Billy attended Immaculate Heart of Mary and Blessed Sacrament Catholic School. He was a proud graduate of Pinkston High School, Class of 1972. While at Pinkston, he served as Senior Class President and was consistently on the Honor Roll. He went on to attend Sam Houston College, where he earned his degree in Printing in 1976, graduating with honors.

Billy became a father at an early age and leaves behind a beautiful legacy of children: Antonio Bernard, Rayland Simone (deceased), Colin, Roderick, Michelle, Tabitha, LaToya, and Krystal. On September 11, 2022, he married his lifelong sweetheart, Yvonne D. Williams, and gained two bonus children, Jerald and Andrea Williams.

Billy was active in both his community and political endeavors. He began working at an early age while still in high school at Western Electric, now known as AT&T. He also worked for the prison system in Huntsville, Texas, and later served with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department. Billy went on to become a supervisor at TxDOT and DART, where he later retired in 2021. At the time of his passing, he was employed with the Dallas County Elections Department as an Early Voting Clerk.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Betty Jean Lakes; his grandmother, Doretha Butcher; his son, Rayland Lakes; and one great-grandson, Christopher Scott.

He leaves to cherish his love and legacy: his beloved wife, Yvonne W. Lakes; three sons – Antonio Bernard, Colin, and Roderick; one bonus son – Jerald; four daughters – Michelle (Larry), Tabitha, LaToya (Henry), and Krystal; and one bonus daughter – Andrea. He is also survived by two brothers, Kevin Lakes (Barbara) and Lawrence Lakes (Margie).

Billy’s grandchildren: Corey, Antonio Jr., Deion, Mahogany, Taineshia, Antinaya, Summer Rae, Jay, Logan, Parker, Meiko (Olen), Ashley, Sheldon, Isis, Roderick D., Chambria, Ife, and Lamonica Vshanti.

His great-grandchildren: Dedric, Emeri, and JaeVeon.

He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and close friends; David and Rose Fielding, Yvonne Davis, Patricia Carr, Valrie Norah, Linda Archie, and the men of Greater Garden Baptist church who will deeply miss him.