William C. "Billy" Ray Jr.

William "Billy" Claude Ray, Jr., age 96, of Tuscaloosa, passed away on December 21, 2025, at his residence. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, December 29, 2025, at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel Funeral Home. Visitation will be held for one hour prior to the funeral service.
Mr. Ray was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Faye Ray, as well as his son Mike Ray.
He is survived by his wife Mary E. Ray, daughters Debbie Gaston, Donna Vick, Linda Pruitt, Brenda Dinwiddie and Jeanna Volner; sons Matthew Ray and James Lance Ray; sister Carolyn McGee; 28 grandchildren, 65 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren.
Mr. Ray was born and raised in Alabama. He served his country as a young man starting out with ROTC in the school system. Then served 4 yrs. in The National Guard and enlisted in the Army during the Korean war, serving an additional 2 years. His service to his country was always among his proudest of achievements.
Billy accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at the age of eleven. He served as a deacon at First Batist Church, attended multiple mission trips and worked the Christian Ministry for over 15 years. As an adult he cherished living his life for the Lord. He was a firm believer and ran his household to honor the Lord as well. He was a stickler about giving thanks to the Lord and asking for blessings over the food prior to consumption.
In 1988 he met the love of his life, Mary, she was his soul mate, they married after a short engagement, living a great life together for 38 years. During these 38 years, their families became combined through love, faith, and time becoming one. Billy always cherished the family holidays, long beach trips and traveling.
Pallbearers will be Dustin Ray, Josh Vick, Miller Lambert, Bo Gaston, Taylor Ray and Josh Smith
Honorary pallbearers are Bobby May, Grady Friday, George Hodson, Lanny Ellison and Dr. Hayse Boyd.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Hospice of West Alabama or First Baptist Church.
As Always.... When you think of Billy....ROLL TIDE!