Billie Ray James

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 oil field 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 Ralson 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 Ft. 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, who passed away in 2020 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, 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; great great-granddaughter Mayzie LeBlanc.

A very special thanks goes to Nancy Vasquez, Bill's longtime caregiver, for her special attention to care.