Billy Ray Turner, 93, of rural Excelsior Springs, Missouri, went to be with Jesus on December 22, 2021, at the Excelsior Springs Hospital.
Billy was born on March 17, 1928, in rural Excelsior Springs, Missouri, to Joseph Henry and Mary Faye (Writesman) Turner. He graduated from Excelsior Springs High School in 1946 and married Elizabeth Jane Foley, who he lovingly called “The Cook” on December 24, 1949. She preceded him in death on July 28, 2020. They lived on a farm only half a mile from Billy’s childhood home beginning in December 1954 until their deaths. He worked at General Motors for 30 years and ran two farms an hour apart for another 20 plus years after retiring from GM.
Billy served his country in the U.S. Army, was a member of Union Baptist Church of Orrick and was a 65-year member. He was a past Master of Angerona Lodge #193 of Missouri City and a member of Odd Fellows.
Preceding him in death were his parents; his twin brothers, Marvin Gene and Melvin Dene; and a son-in-law, Herb Kelly.
They are survived by three children, Kay Kelly, of Excelsior Springs, Lana (Bob) Knutter, of Lawson, and Randy (Kathy) Turner, of Cameron; sister, Mary Jo (Russell) Hyatt; eight grandchildren; and numerous great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends.
There will be a celebration of life for Billy in the spring with military honors and Masonic rites.
Arrangements in care of Bross & Spidle Funeral Home, Excelsior Springs.
Our Sincere Condolences
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Billy will be deeply missed.
Joe and Kathy Goode
Lana and Kay. I am so sorry to hear of your dad’s passing. Like Lee, he was always at Lodge until later years. I know you will miss him dearly and think of him every day.
Audrey
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Billy Ray, I have been blessed to know and work alongside his granddaughter Sara for over two years now at Newkirk Elementary School. From stories Sara has shared with me, I can only imagine what a wonderful and exceptionally kind man he must have been! To his daughter Kay, Sara, and the rest of this good family we extend our deepest sympathy and pray for you all that you will be blessed in the days ahead with comfort and peace.
Sincerely,
Peggy and Mike Renfro
Newkirk, Oklahoma
Condolences to the family, just found out that Billy had passed away. I always think about Billy this time of year during morrel mushroom season. Chris and I will always treasure our memories of Billy during our time when we lived in Cameron.
Chris and Vanessa Hale
