Billy Ray McNeil

Billy Ray McNeil was born on April 10, 1957, in Alexander, Arkansas, to Annie Mae and Edward Willie McNeil.  He grew up in Spring Hill, Arkansas, raised by his grandmother, Beatrice Smith. Bill accepted Jesus Christ, as his Lord and Saviour, at an early age in their family church, The Church of the Living God.

While Bill never married or had any children, he has always had an abundance of friends and family. Whether you knew him as Billy Ray, Billy, Bill, Brother Bill or any other name, he was known and loved by everyone. A uniquely funny comedian, Bill always had a good story to share that would end in laughter. Bill had a smile for everyone he’d meet. And he never met a person who didn’t become a friend. He’d often remind you, “I may be slow, but I ain’t nobody’s fool”. Bill lived his own full life! He enjoyed having his own home, his own truck, his own mower, and his own money. He was not one who enjoyed depending on others. He was the person helping others. Bill was employed at Henderson College and did lawn care on the side. He worked tirelessly at his craft until health issues required him to cease riding his mower. Bill took up residency at Courtyard Gardens in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Even there he was a friend to everyone, residents and staff alike. His family is grateful to his caregivers where Bill lived out his final days. 

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Annie Mae & Edward Willie McNeil; brothers Isaac, Harold and James McNeil; and sisters, Patricia and Evelyn McNeil and Darlene Blake.

Bill is survived by his brother, Roland (Pam) McNeil, his sisters Mae (Mathel) Miller, Vera Long and Delores Paschall; and a host of loving uncles and aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews, family and friends. While we will all miss his loveable, physical presence, Bill’s livelihood and wit will be remembered through all of the memories of the good times we each shared with him.

Submitted by the McNeil Family

Public visitation will be from 1:00 p., until 6:00 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 at the funeral home. Chapel services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 29, 2022 at Williams Funeral Home with Rev. Johnny Harris, officiating. Interment will be at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.