Billy Ray Henderson

Billy Ray Henderson age 69 of Drasco, Arkansas went to be with the Lord on January 14, 2021. He was born January 9, 1952 in Drasco, Arkansas to the late Leslie and Bonna Liles Henderson. 

He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Bobby and Johnny Henderson.

Survivors include his wife Patsy Joan Farris Henderson whom he married July 30, 1971; two sons, Shawn Henderson and wife Leah of Jasper, Arkansas and Shane Henderson and wife Kim of North Little Rock, Arkansas; one sister, Linda Duncan and husband Larry of Quitman, Arkansas; three grandchildren, Tyler, Aubrey, and Chloe Henderson and many friends.

Billy Ray Henderson was a devoted husband, father, brother, and grandfather.  He was a filler of sheds, smoker of meats, coffee server, bluff jumper, and armadillo hunter.  Billy could be an obnoxious fire wood sorter, tedious dandelion eradicator, and believed when woodworking, one should measure ten times before beginning any cut, then start the cut, stop again and measure five more times before finishing the cut.  He loved to hunt and fish as long as he was taking a member of his family, but rarely went alone because he had other things he ought to be doing.  He loved gardening, working in his yard, and eating a home grown tomato.  His personal humble attitude was balanced by his pride in his grandchildren.

A jack of all trades, who was quick to help and slow to tire, willing to tackle any job and determined to give it his best.  His foremost love for God, and his desire for others to know Him, led Billy through his over 50 years of ministry.  During this ministry his words comforted at countless funerals, his love officiated numerous weddings, he baptized multiple generations, and he enjoyed missionary trips to Honduras and Jamaica.  Weekly he sought to preach and teach God’s word, encouraging the congregation whether from behind the pulpit, or in song, or by selflessly portraying a Bible character. 

Even while working in heating and air installation , he frequently tacked on a hospital visit to the end of his work day as well as finding time to work in prison ministry for some years.  He currently often could be found spending his entire day prepping for a two minute phone devotional in his effort to widen his ability to lead the Drasco General Baptist Church through a time of new opportunities. Billy loved people, and even though he desired to use his words to tell of Christ’s love, it was through the observation of how he lived that encapsulated the gospel message more than any sermon ever could.  Whether you knew him as Brother Billy, Uncle Billy, or just Poppa, you are aware you have suffered a great loss. 

A visitation will be held 3:00 to 5:00 pm, Sunday, January, 17, 2021, at Heber Springs Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 10:00 am, Monday, January 18, 2021, at Drasco General Baptist Church with Rev. Terry Mote and Rev.Jim French officiating.

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