Billie Ray Wilson

Billie Ray Wilson, age 79, of Athens, passed away Thursday morning, April 21, 2016, at a local healthcare facility. He was born on October 10, 1936, in Winston County AL to the late John Wesley and Mattie Ray Popham Wilson. Billie spent over 40 years in Michigan and moved with his wife Olla to McMinn County in 1999. He was a proud paratrooper of the 511th Airborne Division of the United States Army; a 56 year member of the West Date – Cyprus Lodge # 520 F&AM and a member and active deacon at Double Springs Baptist Church. He had retired from Michigan Dynamic Industries after 30 years of service and was a bus driver for McMinn County and Etowah City Schools.

In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by sisters, Hazel Garrad and Pauline Youngblood; brothers, Lacey Wilson and Leroy Wilson; and a son-in-law, James Hadden Thomson, IV.

He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Olla Mae Wright Wilson of Athens; daughter, Deborah Kay Thomson of Orlando, Florida; sons and daughters-in-law, Stephen Ray (Shelly) Wilson of Plano, Texas and Jeffrey Ray (Pam) Wilson of Athens; grandchildren and spouses, Rebecca Erin(Derek) Schott of Orlando, Florida, Racheal Marie (Todd) Phelps of Orlando. Florida; Stephanie Diane (Kevin) O Quinn of Plano, Texas, Sarah Elaine (Jordan) Moss of Richmond, Kentucky, Jordan Ray ( Jessica) Wilson of Plano, Texas, Mathew Kennedy Wilson of Woodstock, Georgia, and Morgan Paul Wilson of Plano, Texas; great grandchild, Wilson Clarke Schott; sisters, Myrtle Lucille Bishop of Southgate, Michigan, Johnnie E. Beal of Haleyville, Alabama, and Doris Jean Little and husband Buddy if Haleyville, Alabama; and brother, Rufus Earl Wilson and wife Bonnie of Throckmorton, Texas. Several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members and friends also survive.

Funeral services will be conducted at 7p.m. Saturday, April 23, 2016 from the chapel of Serenity Funeral Home with Pastor Byron Talbot officiating.

Family and friends will gather at 1p.m. Sunday, April 24, 2016, at Double Springs Baptist Church Cemetery for the committal service with Jeff Wilson, Stephen Wilson, Jordan Wilson, Morgan Wilson, Matthew Wilson and Robert Bishop serving as pallbearers. Military Honors and a white dove release ceremony will conclude the services.

The family will receive friends from 5-7p.m on Saturday prior to the funeral service.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Double Springs Baptist Church Building Fund.

Visit the Wilson family guestbook and leave a message of comfort.