Billy Lea

Billy Ray Lea, age 77 of Brandon, passed away on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

He was born on December 8, 1942 in Brookhaven, MS to the late Purvis and Myrtle Lea.

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, John Paul Lea, Margie Lea Galle, and Major Lea.

Billy attended Central High School. He went to college at MSU where he played ball and then transferred to Ole Miss. Early in his career he worked in Restaurant Management at McDonald’s, and wrote for Z Books, MS Wood, and Water Magazine. Billy then worked in Insurance Sales Management at Lincoln National Life. The last 15 years Billy worked in the storage industry with Storage Max. Billy was an avid hunter, lover of nature, trivia master, and a wordsmith who loved crossword puzzles.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Norwyne Lea; children, Chip Thomas (Angela), Jerry Thomas (Angie), Matthew Lea (Kristen), Laura Reid (Richard), Julie Honea (Charlie), and Steven Russell (Pene); 14 grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Mississippi, Inc., 855 S Pear Orchard Rd., Suite 501 Ridgeland, MS 39157 or at www.alz.org/ms/donate.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 2 Timothy 4:7 NLT