of Clarksville, AR
January 24, 1938 - May 15, 2019
Billy Ray Usery was born on January 24, 1938, to Oneta (Baldridge) and James B. Usery, Sr., in North Little Rock, AR. He died on May 15, 2019, at Baptist Health in Little Rock at the age of 81. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Gwen (Francis) Usery, his son Stephen (Jayne) of St. Paul, MN, Gary (Charlotte) of Bossier City, LA, daughter Angel (Wade) Black of Clarksville, grandchildren Aaron and Hannah Usery of Bossier City, LA, Emily Black of New York City, and Ellie Black of Clarksville. He is also survived by nephews David (Pam) Usery, Jimmy (Rhonda) Usery, Tom Dillion, nieces Karen (David) Cobb, Vicki (Greg) Miller, Jamie (Harold) Shoemaker, and Neta Haggard as well as several cousins, great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers James B. Usery Jr., Eugene Usery, sister Kathrine Word, brother-in-law Bill Word, sister-in-law Bobbie Usery Schroeder, and niece Debbie Dillion.
Bro. Usery is a 1955 graduate of North Little Rock High School, Little Rock University (UALR), and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He has served Baptist churches in Alexander, AR, Allen's Chapel, Texas, Berryville, AR, and Clarksville, where he served the First Baptist Church as its pastor for 23 years until his retirement in 1990 for health reasons.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church in Clarksville on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 2:00 P.M.
Memorials may be made to Feed My Starving Children (www.fmsc.org) and Heifer International (www.heifer.org), both working to fight world hunger. ''He uphold the cause of the oppressed and gives food to the hungry'' Psalm 146:7 (NIV)
Arrangements are under the direction of Roller-Cox Funeral Home, online guestbook available at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/clarksville
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17 Condolence(s)
John Dess
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Gary I’m so sorry to learn of the passing of your father. We miss you guys and hope you are well.
Sonny and Jusy James
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Brother Billy will be greatly missed but it is comforting to know he is in the presence of our Lord.
Sarah Martin
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Mrs. Usery,
We are so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our prayers.
Bresnda DuBois
Saturday, May 18, 2019
Gwen.....I wanted to send to you hugs and my heartfelt sympathy.....I will never forget your and Bro Billy being so kind to me during the months I was attending church with you...sitting with you and your prayers.....hugs and love Brenda DuBois
Lori Crapps
Friday, May 17, 2019
People you meet in Life become Family instead of friends.. Our Connections started as our Pastor in Berryville,AR . I remember Stephen and I And often Chery Ann creating many miles on our tricycles in The Parsonage which still stands in our little town..My Family will forever Hold The Usrey Family in our Hearts .Wonderful Memories.. Rest In Peace Bro Billy til we see you again
Jan Storment
Friday, May 17, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful, caring man and he will be missed.
Nancy Bridgman Martin
Friday, May 17, 2019
My prayers are with you Usery family. I know you will miss him very much. I am so thankful Brother Usery was my first pastor who taught me so well. He touched many lives and I know his legacy lives on.
Doug and Sydra Bryan
Friday, May 17, 2019
Mrs. Usuary and family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Bro. Usuary was a wonderful man that was such a big part of our lives over the years and touched all of our hearts. May the Lord give all of you comfort and peace.
Lindy Kern
Friday, May 17, 2019
Brother Usery was such a special part of my childhood. He counseled me, baptized me as a little girl, and married me to Adam when I was 21. He was so calming, but also such a powerful man of God. I remember walking up to his house on Sunday nights after church while my dad had choir practice. Gwen would make us popcorn, and sometimes I would hang out in Angel’s room with her while she ate her raw potatoes! We had a close knit church family and I’m so thankful for that. He was a wonderful man. My prayers are with his sweet family.
Nancy Fikes
Friday, May 17, 2019
Dearest Mrs. Usery,
I am so sorry for you and your family and this town for the loss of your beloved. I have heard such wonderful stories about his love ofand service
John and Jo Ann Swofford
Thursday, May 16, 2019
So many memories from the early 60's when he was our pastor until the last visit we shared . His knowledge of God's word was amazing and if we had a question concerning what God said, he would dig until he found the answer. His dry sense of humor was so enjoyable. He was so quick with his comebacks when joking around. He will be missed but it's wonderful to think of all of the people he witnessed to with his preaching and personal soul winning that he is now able to see once more in Heaven. Our love for his family continues and our prayers go up for them as they adjust to life here on this earth without him.
Christel Thompson
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Mrs. Usery,
Today I pray for you and your family’s peace in this sad time. May your 60 years of memories bring you some comfort.
Love, Christel Thompson
Charlotte Holloway Magee
Thursday, May 16, 2019
So sorry for your loss!
Doug Thompson
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Gwen and family, very sorry to hear about Billy. He served his family and his Lord very well.
I enjoyed my time I spent with him. The Lord has one of his super stars with him now
Linda Swindell
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Gwen and Family
I have so many wonderful memories of the years that Benny and I were members at FBC Clarksville when Billy Ray was our pastor. Such a sweet friendship we shared as we walked this earthly journey together. And now Billy is in the very presence of the one he so faithfully loved and served. He will be greatly missed.
My deepest condolences to you and your children.
Love, Linda
Beth Howard Larsen
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Bro. Usery was such a great pastor & counselor. My love & deepest sympathy to the entire Usery family, but especially Gwen & Angel, who has been a close friend for many years.
Bliss Baxley
Thursday, May 16, 2019
Dear Gwen and Family,
I was deeply saddened today when I read about Brother Billy. I just can't find the words to tell you how much you two have meant to my parents and me. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
With much love,
Bliss