Billy Ray Ellison
Waterloo, South Carolina
In Loving Memory of Billy Ray Ellison
December 27, 1949 – July 2, 2026.
Some people leave behind a lifetime of possessions. Billy Ray Ellison left behind something far greater—memories, laughter, music, and a love that will continue to live on in the hearts of everyone who knew him.
Billy Ray was born on December 27, 1949, in Greenwood, South Carolina, and spent 76 years showing those around him that life wasn’t about having everything—it was about enjoying the little things. A man of the Baptist faith, he believed in loving people, making them smile, and never taking a single moment for granted. If you ever had the chance to spend time with Billy Ray, chances are you heard him singing before you saw him. Music was woven into his soul. Whether he was strumming his guitar, singing one of his favorite George Jones songs, or turning up the Bee Gees. Music wasn’t just something he listened to—it was part of who he was. Country music was always close to his heart, and he had a way of making every song tell a story. He loved being outdoors with a fishing pole in his hand, finding peace by the water, and he never turned down the chance to cook for family and friends. His kitchen was filled with love just as much as it was with good food. He believed laughter could fix just about anything, and he made it his mission to make someone smile every single day. His jokes, his stories, and his contagious laugh will be deeply missed.
Billy Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy Blackwell Ellison and Coleman Ellison, and his brother, Robert Ellison, who no doubt welcomed him home with open arms.
He leaves behind his daughter, Angie Ellison “Doodlebug” of the home and his caregiver; his son, Chris “Slick” Ellison and Kasey; his daughters, Pam McCullough and Terri Montjoy; his sisters, Peggy Smith and Brenda McMichael Krom; along with numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will forever carry pieces of him in their hearts. His family was one of his greatest blessings, and the love he had for them was unconditional.
The family will be holding a Celebration of Life at Angie’s home on a later date. Please keep an eye on Facebook for details as everyone gathers to celebrate a man whose life deserves to be remembered with stories, music, laughter, and love.
Billy Ray loved flowers, so they are always appreciated, but if you’d really like to honor him, honor him by living the way he did. Make a donation to colon cancer research; plant a tree; hug your dad a little longer; take your family fishing; cook a meal for someone you love; turn up some good old country music; sing a George Jones song at the top of your lungs; dance around the kitchen to the Bee Gees; and laugh until your sides hurt. Those are the things that would have made Billy Ray smile.
Although our hearts are broken, we know that love doesn’t end when a life does. Every cast of a fishing line, every guitar chord, every country song on the radio, every flower that blooms, and every laugh shared with family will remind us that Billy Ray is never truly gone. His body may have grown tired, but his spirit now sings a song that will never end. Until we meet again, we’ll keep your music playing, your stories alive, and your memory forever in our hearts. We love you, Daddy. We always will!!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.thekennedymortuary.com.
Kennedy Mortuary & Crematory
