Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Billy Ray Pye

Billy Ray Pye, 78, born January 4, 1928 in Prescott, passed away at Baptist Medical Center in Little Rock, December 6, 2006.

Bill was a graduate of Henderson State University. He began his educational career at Ouachita Public School as a science teacher, later high school principal, and then superintendent. After leaving Ouachita Schools, he became Hot Spring County School Supervisor. His reward as an educator was seeing his former students become successful in life. He was a faithful member and deacon of Calvary Baptist Church. He served in numerous positions in his church and also served in different positions over the years in the Central Baptist Association. He was instrumental in starting the Spelling Bee of Hot Spring County, and was a member of the Arkansas Retired Teachers Association. Bill cherished his family greatly, especially his grand and great grandchildren.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Horace and Rhea Pye, and one brother, Leon Pye.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Margie Cagle Pye; one son, Lynn Pye (Debbie Ray) of Arkadelphia; one daughter, Melissa Franklin (Milton) of Gurdon; five grandchildren, Mindy Mayhue (Jeremy), Jason Pye (Rachel), Bobby Pye, Terry and Brian Franklin; and two great grandsons, Cameron and Hunter Mayhue.

Visitation was Friday, December 8, from 6-8 p.m. at Regency Funeral Home in Malvern.

Funeral services were Saturday, December 9 at 1:00 p.m. in the Regency Chapel with Brothers Keith Stewart and Eddie Elrod officiating. Interment was at Copeland Ridge Cemetery near Curtis.

Pallbearers were Larry Lea, Eddie Younger, Dale Harris, Kevin Whitley, Robert Rook, Bill Norman, Steve Lea, Dustin Beene, and Todd McElroy.

Memorials may be made to the Copeland Ridge Cemetery, c/o Ann Pounds, 105 Kathryn St., Prescott, AR 71857.

You may sign the guestbook at regencyfuneralhome.com.