Billy Ray Hearn

Billy Ray Hearn

Nashville, TN

Billy Ray Hearn, born April 26, 1929 in Beaumont, TX, to Opal Georgia Ray and Mitchell Hearn, died April 15, 2015 at his home in Nashville TN.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy Peterson Hearn; three children, Vicki Horne (Rick), Bill Hearn (Charmion) and Holly Whaley (Mark); two grandchildren, Ashley Horne and Trevor Redding (Lane); and his great-grandson Huck Nathanael Redding.

Billy Ray served in the United States Navy and was the first to graduate from Baylor University with a degree in church music, where he later served as a Regent for nine years. He spent many years following serving as minister of music in Baptist churches throughout the South.

Billy Ray was a pioneer of contemporary Christian music, starting Myrhh Records in 1971 and founding Sparrow Records in 1976, signing artists such as Keith Green, BeBe and CeCe Winans and Steven Curtis Chapman. He became President and CEO and later Chairman of Capitol Christian Music Group, the world's largest Christian music and publishing company.

He is a member of the Gospel Music Hall of Fame and recipient of The Recording Academy President's Merit Award and Baylor's Distinguished Alumni Award.

Billy Ray has also faithfully served the Nashville community for more than 25 years through his contributions to and work with The Nashville Symphony, TJ Martell Foundation, The Nashville Wine Auction, Saint Cecilia Fine Arts Building Fund and many others.

Billy Ray Hearn was bigger than life and inspired countless people all over the world with his passion for life and his love of music, flowers and birds and great food and wine.

Visitation will be Friday, April 24, from 4-7 p.m. at BMI 10 Music Square East, Nashville, TN 37203, and services Saturday, April 25, at 11 a.m. at Brentwood Baptist Church, 7777 Concord Road, Brentwood, TN 37027.

In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to one of Bill Ray's favorite charities listed above.

Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, (615) 262-3312.