Billy Ray McDuffee

Billy Ray McDuffee, age 61, of Warrior, Ala. passed away on Monday, August 18, 2025, and was born December 11, 1963.

Billy was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Acton McDuffee. He is survived by his loving wife, Becky McDuffee; his three daughters, Lauren McDuffee, Sarah (Kyle) Ellison, and Kelsey (Brandon) Buchanan; his father, Billy Don McDuffee; his brother, Wade McDuffee; and his "bonus brother," Phillip Ellison. In addition to these, he is survived by his brother-in-law, Jeff Carter (Pennie); nieces, Kelsie (David) Crawford and Marlena (Josh) Akins; nephew, Wesley (Jenna) Carter; as well as a host of beloved friends. Billy was also the proud grandfather of Barrett, Bailee and Brantlee Buchanan, who lovingly knew him as "Pop."

Billy deeply loved his family, his Lord, and the joy of laughter. Time spent with him was sure to include good food (the kind that always stuck to your ribs) and plenty of laughs. To know Billy was truly to love him. Though the world is dimmer without him here, his light will continue to shine through those who carry his memory forward.

Billy and Becky met in 1970, at the ages of 6 and 3, at the Skyline Drive church of Christ. Together they shared almost 35 years of marriage. To his girls, Billy was the best girl dad, and it was evident that his girls were his pride and joy.

As a faithful member of the Mt. Olive church of Christ, Billy devoted much of his life to teaching and leading singing. His passion for music could be seen in the many singing schools he taught, his encouragement of young men to lead worship, and his unforgettable tenor voice that filled the congregation.

Billy worked as a foreman for the Blount County Commission - District 4, and he truly loved all of the men with whom he had the pleasure of working. Billy was a talented heavy equipment operator and would always use his skill to teach younger men so that they had the opportunity to advance in their careers and earn more money.

He will be remembered not only for his gift of song, but also for his kindness, encouragement and the love he showed everyone he met.

We want to thank God for the life of Billy Ray McDuffee, and we look with hope to the day when we will be reunited with him.

A visitation for Billy will be held at the Blount County Agriculture Center (6700 County Hwy 1, Cleveland, AL 35049) on Friday, August 22, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Sulphur Springs Cemetery the following day, Saturday, August 23, beginning at 10:00 a.m., with interment to follow immediately after.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Epilepsy Foundation, in support of their 2025 Walk for Epilepsy - Birmingham. To donate now, you can use the following link, which will send you directly to Lauren McDuffee's fundraising page on the Epilepsy Foundation's website: https://donate.epilepsy.com/participant/Lauren-McDuffee-2025

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