Billy Wayne Ray

View Funeral Webcast Billy Wayne Ray, 75, a resident of Columbia, died Monday January 2, 2023 at his residence. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday January 5, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. at Oakes & Nichols Funeral Home. Burial will follow at McClain Cemetery in the Mount Joy community. The family will visit with friends Wednesday from 5:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Condolences my be extended online at www.Oakesandnichols.com He was born December 25, 1947 in Clifton, TN to the late Vogle Ray and the late Willie Gordon Ray. He graduated from Frank Hughes High School in Clifton, TN and served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Billy was a retired conductor for CSX Railroad for 35 years. He enjoyed walking, making wine, and was a member of the American Legion. He is survived by his five children, Michael (Sarhonda) Ray, David (LeeAnne) Ray, Aaron (Lesley) Ray, Rachel (Steve) Adams, Amy (Mark) Owens; two step-children, Janet (Mark) Baxter, Melanie Cross; a sister, Reba (Roy) Skelton; and brother, Donnie Ray; twenty-two grandchildren and twenty-two great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wives, Teresa McClain Ray whom died August 17, 2010, and Judith Rasbury Ray whom died March 24, 2019, and an infant daughter Mary Elizabeth Ray. Active pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers will be the retired CSX Railroad employees.