Billy Ray Pickering

Billy Ray Pickering was born in Ellisville, MS, and became a resident of Grand Bay, Alabama from 1955 until he went to his Heavenly Home on January 28, 2023. Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a veteran, having served his country honorably in the Army National Guard for three years. He enjoyed his weekly ‘coffee with the guys,’ and had a great sense of humor. He is survived by his wife of 19½ years, Maxine Webb-Pickering; daughters, Molly (Bruce) Pate and Jill (Chris) Myers; step-children, Patty (Monnie) Tripp, Steve (Sharon) Webb, Janet (Will) Shore, and Peggy (Bob) Wayman; grandchildren, Brock Pate, Hillary (James) Parmer, and Jayden and Brady Myers; three great-granddaughters; 11 step-grandchildren; 16 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Ann (Bob) Pate; brothers-in-law, Dr. Charles (Margaret) Fulton and William Older; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, J.C. and Thelma Pickering; and his wife of 46 years, Bonita Pickering. Bill, known as Daddy to his children, Daddy Bill to his step-children, Poppy to his grandchildren and Great-grandchildren, Pawpaw Bill to his step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren, and ‘Pick’ to his friends, retired from International Paper in Moss Point, MS. After a long and loving marriage, ended when his wife, Bonita, went to Heaven in March of 2002, he found love again in recently-widowed Maxine Webb, and they were married in June of 2003. They enjoyed cruises, several trips, and spending time at their home on Dauphin Island, where Bill discovered a love for fishing. They were faithful members, and also greeters at their home church, First Baptist Church in Grand Bay, AL, where he also served as a Deacon. Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023 from 11 AM-12 PM at First Baptist Church of Grand Bay, followed by service at 12 PM. Interment will be held in Grand Bay Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Brock Pate, Jayden Myers, Brady Myers, Judah Stahl, Jordan Stahl, and Michael Robertson. In lieu of flowers a memorial gift can be given to the Building Fund of First Baptist Church Grand Bay, P.O. Box 326, Grand Bay, AL 36541 or sent to the American Heart Association - https://www.heart.org/

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Billy Ray Pickering

August 14, 1932 - January 28, 2023