Billy Ray Lewis, son of Milo and Betty (Nuckolls) Lewis, was born October 25, 1962, at the Nodaway County Hospital in Maryville, Missouri. Bill grew up attending school at Parnell and Tarkio before moving to Rock Port where he attended high school.

Bill started Masonry work at a young age. He enjoyed this work and perfected his craft, often referred to as the best brick layer around.

Bill loved watching NASCAR races and football, always cheering on the Missouri Tigers and the Kansas City Chiefs. If Bill was caught watching the Nebraska Cornhuskers, it was most likely to cheer on their opponent and to rub it in to all his Husker fan friends if they lost. Bill cherished time spent with family and friends, especially over a cold beer and some good music, Stevie Ray Vaughan being one of his favorites.

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, Bill was unexpectedly found at his home in Peru. Having reached the age of 61 years, 10 months, and 10 days, he was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Jerry Kelley, Drexel Lewis, Gary Kelley; and his bar buddies John Coatney, Big P, Vano, Jeff Gray, Jeff Umbarger, Bob McAdams, and Wayne Simpson.

Those left to mourn his loss include his children Jason (Veronica) Lewis of Rock Port; Cassie Lewis of Rock Port, Jayme (Brent) Meyer of Auburn, Danyel Lewis of Auburn; grandchildren Alexis Graves, Abbie Hackman, Macie Hale, Ryzer Hale, Rush Lewis, Kaleigh Andrus, Baylin Lewis, Korbyn Cates, Wynnie Cates; great-grandchild Magnolia Graves; siblings Larry Lewis of St. Joseph, MO, Becky Chard of Rock Port, Joy Barton of Elkhorn, Patty Kozial of McHenry, IL, Tammy Lewis of Rock Port, Carol Jean Hines of Barnard, MO, Shirley Lewis of Rock Port; other relatives and many friends.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, August 10, 2024, at TJ’s Tavern in Brownville, Nebraska.

Services were entrusted to Hemmingsen Funeral Home of Auburn.