Billy Ramey

Deacon Billy Ray Ramey was born on October 14,1948 in a small rural community of Lisbon, Arkansas, to the late Mr. & Mrs. Lonnie & Annie Ramey. He departed this earthly home and entered the Heavenly home on May 14, 2025, at St. Vincent hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas surrounded by his loving children.

Proverbs 22:6 "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it" Deacon Ramey, gave his life to Christ at a very young age, at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Lisbon, Arkansas. Where he served as a faithful member of the choir, deacon board, board of trustee, usher board, bus driver, and was willing to give a helping hand anywhere needed until his health began to decline.

He was a graduate of the last class of Smackover Training School in 1967 before integration.

On February 28, 1969, two heartbeats became one as Billy was united in Holy Matrimony with his high school sweetheart Mattie Louise Goodwin, after professing his love to her on a jar of mayonnaise, where he wrote "I love you, Mattie!" Their union was blessed with two children, one son, Gregory, and one daughter, NaTasha.

He retired from Cooper Industries Plante, after 30 years of service.

Deacon Ramey was often referred to as Mr. Bill to those who loved and respected his fun-loving spirit. He often gave affectionate nicknames to those whom he bonded with.

He had many different hobbies, such as, watching games shows and old westerns, riding horses, gardening, singing, traveling, raising pigs, fellowshipping with anyone who crossed his path (he never met a stranger), and mentoring the young generation in the community.

He was a part of many community choirs, such as The Lisbon Gospel Community Choir, The Frankin Andrews Choir, Smackover Community Choir, and other various reunion choirs. He loved to sing and was well known for singing his favored song, "Lord, I know you been so good".

Deacon Billy was preceded in death by his faithful wife Mattie Louise Ramey, parents, four brothers, Lonnie Ramey, Jr. (June), Curtis Ramey (Bub), Huey P. Ramey, Jimmie Ramey, two sisters, Betty Grant, and Mary Neil Holmes (Peewee).

He leaves a legacy of cherish memories, son Gregory (Laticia) Ramey of Smackover, Arkansas, one daughter, NaTasha Ramey of Smackover, Arkansas, three sisters, Dorothy White, of El Dorado, Arkansas, Marcella Phillips, of Mt. Holly, Arkansas, Opral Cook, one brother, Glynn Ramey, both of Smackover, Arkansas, five grandchildren, Donovan, Ramey, Rico White, Jasmine Ramey, Kiara Ramey, Tamia Ramey, one great-granddaughter, Kaomi Bradford, one adopted son, Winfred (Evonne) McCraw of Waco, TX, special grandchildren, Mackenzie McCraw, Santana Minor, Tamara Minor, Mackenzie Minor, Zion Goodwin, Micah Minor, Z'nya Minor, special sons, Micheal Caldwell and Lamar Howard, along with a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends who loved him dearly just like family.