Billy Ray Reves

Ray Reves, devoted husband, loving father, and faithful friend passed peacefully on Monday, December 19, 2022, at the age of 78. Ray’s life will be celebrated during a Memorial Service Thursday, December 22, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church with Rev. Richard Strait officiating. Arrangements are under the direction of Tankersley Funeral Home.

Billy Ray Reves was born on June 20, 1944, to John Howard Reves, Sr. and Erma (Tabor) Reves in Stamford, Texas. Ray grew up in Lueders, Texas and was the youngest son of a family of two boys. Ray was only seven months old when his father John was killed while serving during WWII at the Battle of the Bulge.

Ray attended school at Lueders before joining the Navy and serving his country from 1967 to 1971.

Ray was united in marriage to Miss Yvonne Peterson on December 22, 1971, at the Bethel Lutheran Church. A union of 51 years that was blessed with a beautiful daughter, April.

Ray loved his family and cherished being “Papa”.  As an outdoorsman, Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing, working on old cars and could be considered a bit of a gun enthusiast. He loved the family dogs: Mutt, Jeff and Snigglefritz and could often be found taking Snigglefritz for a ride around the farm.  Ray’s working career included farming and working with heavy equipment. As a community man Ray was a member of the Young Farmers Association, the Junior Sheriff Posse, and the Bethel Lutheran Church where he served numerous years as the coffee chairman for the smorgasbord.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, John and Erma Reves, his stepfather Willie Polacek, and his brother, John Howard Reves, Jr.

Memories of Ray will continue to be cherished by his loving wife, Yvonne Reves of the home; daughter and son-in-law, April and Cy Barr of Hondo, Texas; daughter and son-in-law Raelynn “Renee” and Mitch Hymer of Abilene, Texas; grandchildren: Mason Barr, Sydney Heidenheimer and husband Collin and Seth Hymer; great grandson, Brooks Heidenheimer; sister-in-law, Karolyn Reves of Abilene; 3 nieces, Johnna, Shelia, and Kay; a host of other relatives and friends.

Memorials may be made to the Bethel Lutheran Church Cemetery, %Wayne Ekdahl, 701 CR 177, Lueders, TX 79533.

Memories and condolences may be made at www.tankersleyfuneralhome.com .