Billy Ray Pickett

Billy Ray Pickett, age 70, of Battle Creek passed away peacefully on June 26, 2015 surrounded by his loving family after a long battle with cancer. He was born November 11, 1944 in Dayton, Tennessee to Annie Muriel Long and Fred William Pickett. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, his trips to Tennessee, and long rides on his Harley Davidson motorcycle. His biggest joy in life was being able to watch Haleigh and Alex in all of their sporting events and school activities.

Billy worked for General Motors for 31 years, retiring in 1999. After retirement he enjoyed part-time work at the Battle Creek Country Club golf course.

Billy is survived by his daughter, Susan Pickett; his son, Michael (Andrea) Pickett; his granddaughter, Haleigh; his grandson, Alex; his sisters, Charlotte (Ed) Reising and Betty (Ed) Pellerin; his sister-in-laws, Stella Dull, Jewell McMillan, Stephany Looper, Wanda (Terry) Heatherington, Sherrell Pickett, and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Joann; his parents; a brother, James Earl Pickett; and sisters, Helen Faye Thurman and Carol Ann Jones.

The family will receive friends 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 30, 2015 at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care where funeral services to celebrate Billy's life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, July 1, 2015. Interment will follow at Floral Lawn Memorial Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to Bronson Battle Creek Cancer Care Center. Personal messages for the family and/or favorite memories of Billy may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.