Billy Ray Smith embarked on his final journey May 27, 2026 from Stone County, MS. Born June 14, 1940, in Festus, Missouri, Billy Ray lived a full and loved life, and leaves behind a legacy of hard work, dedication, enduring friendships, and grand adventure.

Billy Ray was a Jack of all trades; he could fix anything. He worked in a produce department, was a mechanic, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, roofer, tool pusher and supervisor on oil rigs. He was an avid tinkerer and wood worker, building hope chests, playhouses, and homes for those he loved.

Billy Ray proved time and again that life was meant to be experienced fully and shared generously. During his distinguished career in the oil industry, Billy Ray traveled the globe working, living, and creating memories in exotic locations like Africa, Iran, Japan, Venezuela, and Scotland. When offered a job in Alaska he jumped at the opportunity for a new adventure! He took a job at Green’s Creek Mine on Admiralty Island. He moved to Alaska with his steadfast partner in life and travel, Ann, to reinvent themselves as “Alaska Sourdoughs” adventuring across the state to take dips in the hot springs, snowmobile, run their fish wheel, and start homesteads in Wasilla and the wilderness outside Talkeetna. After 25 glorious, adventurous years in Alaska, Ann and Billy Ray returned to their childhood home in south Mississippi.

Billy Ray never wanted to slow down and he never passed up an opportunity to move fast and cruise. He spent weekends watching NASCAR, cheering on Dale Earnhardt, and attending races at Talladega and Daytona. BR even built his own modified car to race on the dirt track in Willow, AK. He was a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association, rode across the country with pals three times on his motorcycle and attended the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally multiple times. When he tired of retirement, he took a side job as an RV transporter, driving up and down the treacherous Al-Can for fun. At the age of 68, he put the pedal to the metal on the Talladega Speedway, cementing his legendary status. He was also a Mason and a member of the Calvin Masonic Lodge, #431 in Calvin, Louisiana.

Billy Ray approached life with a rare blend of roughneck, dignified gentlemanliness, and playful mischief. His eyes were usually smiling behind the oversized, tinted aviator glasses he was never without. He always had slick moves on the dance floor. He carried the same picture of his beloved Ann in his wallet for 68 years. He taught patience, respect, and truthfulness.

Billy Ray was a gruff but gentle man - his heart was big enough for his chaotic family and the many friends he made worldwide. There was always a place at his table and in his home for friends and strangers - though the stories he told at dinner might make you blush. Those tales might include his survival of a helicopter crash in Africa or the acquisition of the scar on his leg from being shot in Nigeria. Billy Ray was a collector of magnificent experiences and fascinating people - he could easily command a room, connect with people, and his presence could turn a routine trip into a meeting of lifelong companions.

Billy Ray is survived by many that will miss him greatly including his wife, Ann, her children Ricky Richards, Rhonda Barrett, Rene’ Cruthirds and Rachelle Bates, and all the grandchildren that called him “Poppy”: Nickie, William, Mason, Caleb, Jacob, Sarah, Rachel, Luke and Emma. From his first marriage he leaves behind two daughters, Candy Parker and Judi Smith, and grandsons Dusty and Josh Parker. BR is preceded in death by his son Ricky Smith. He also leaves behind several cousins who enriched his life with their adventures. Buster his Dachshund, still looks for him daily.

While Billy Ray left us just 18 days short of his 86th birthday, we know his joyous spirit will be celebrating high in the sky. A memorial service honoring Billy Ray’s extraordinary journey will be held at 2 PM on June 2, 2026 at Riemann Funeral Home in Gulfport.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests you honor Billy Ray’s memory by planning a trip to somewhere you’ve never been, trying something that scares you, and doing something kind for your fellow brothers and sisters. If you would like to make monetary donations, please make those to the Alzheimer’s Association or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

A Memorial Service will begin at 2:00 pm, Tuesday, June 2, 2026, at Riemann Family Funeral Home Chapel, 11280 Three Rivers Rd., Gulfport. The service will be Live Streamed and that link will be available here just before the service begins.

The Service will be Live Streamed. 

The link below his obituary will become active at service time. 

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is honored to serve the family. Please sign the online guestbook and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com