Billie Ray James, 1928–2024
Billie Ray James, 95, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday morning, July 10, 2024, at his home in Spur. He was born in Dickens County, Texas, on Aug. 14, 1928, to Ivy York James and Jeff Henry James. Bill grew up in a large family. He was a hard worker and enjoyed playing sports, especially football.
In 1945 he met and married the love of his life, his “sweetheart,” Betty Simpson, of Girard. After their marriage, Bill worked in the oilfield while moving all over west Texas. Along the way, they would have two children and wind up moving to Lubbock, where Bill took a job in the maintenance department at Ralston Purina. He began taking classes at Texas Tech University and became a lifelong, loyal Red Raider. His work ethic landed him a promotion with Purina to plant engineer in 1962, moving the family to Richmond, Virginia. Over the course of his career with Purina, he oversaw plant operations at mills in Vermont, Louisiana, Missouri and Idaho, and then finished his career in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1993. Upon retirement he moved to Mansfield, Texas, and eventually relocated to Spur in 2007.
In his younger days, Bill was a champion calf roper. Later in his retirement years, Bill and Betty enjoyed traveling the country in their RV, spending many winters in the Valley. He enjoyed playing golf, going on mission trips with his church, and spending time with his family.
Preceding him in death are his cherished wife, Betty, whopassedawayin2020 after almost 75 years of marriage; brothers Joe, Jim and John James; sisters Lorita James and Odell Howton; and great-granddaughter Elenor Aylor.
Left to cherish his memory are his sister Marceil McAlpin; children Carolyn Aylor and husband, Steven, of Arlington, Bill James and wife, Billie, of Spur; grandchildren Christopher Aylor and wife, Jessica, David Aylor and wife, Susan, Bryan Aylor and wife, Gina, Stacy James, Kimberly Roberson and husband, Gabril, and Billy James and wife, Rachel; great-grandchildren Mackenzie and Landon Aylor, Emery and Elliott Aylor, Evelyn and James Aylor, Kody Smith and his wife, Kelsi, Justin Sheedy, Sierra LeBlanc and husband, Justin, Joseph Roberson, Cole James, Garrett and Jessie James; and great great-granddaughter Mayzie LeBlanc.
A visitation was scheduled for Friday July 12, 2024 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Zapata Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday July 13, 2024 at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church in Spur, Texas, officiated by C.C. Nolan under the direction of Zapata Funeral Home. Interment to follow at the Spur Memorial Cemetery in Spur, Texas.
A very special thank-you goes to Nancy Vasquez, Bill’s longtime caregiver, for her special attention and care.
