CLEVELAND- Billy Joe Ray, age 66, of Cleveland, MS died on Sunday, November 29, 2020, at the Cleveland Health & Rehabilitation Center in Cleveland.

He was born on June 06, 1954, to George Tom and Lillie Bell (Barrett) Ray in Cleveland, MS. Billy worked on the farm most of his life. He enjoyed making people laugh and all his friends and family called him "Joe Baby". In his spare time, Billy loved to fish.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents George and Lillie Ray, sister and brother-in-law, Rosie and James Hatcher, Sister Robbie Beck, and brother George Tom Ray, Jr.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 1, 2020, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Cleveland Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service will follow the visitation in the North Cleveland Cemetery. Burial will be at the North Cleveland Cemetery. Reverend Jerry Hatcher will officiate the service.

He is survived by Sister, Jewell Bruce of Senatobia, MS. Sister, Ann Goss of Sunflower, MS., and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers are James Therrell, Kenny Millican, Eddie Hatcher, Jamie Hatcher, Bradley Hatcher, and Chris Bishop. Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Bingham and Shane Huskey.

Cleveland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. The online guest register may be signed at www.clevelandfuneralhome.net.