Billy Ray Watts

The world has suffered its greatest loss. The death of one of the most generous, kind-hearted humans that has ever graced this undeserving world with his presence. Billy Ray Watts, 68 (24,857 days), of Olathe, Kansas peacefully left this world on October 10th, 2023, with his family at his side. Previously, he resided in Goobertown, Arkansas. Billy celebrated his birthday every day, although legends say he was born September 20th, 1955 in Lawrence, Kansas to Doyal Ray Watts & Lois Nell (McKay) Michael , both of whom precede him in death. As Billy so often told, his greatest adventure began more than 19 blissful years ago, when he settled down with his best friend & wife, Julie (Michael) Watts , who survives him of their home. She cared studiously for her husband in all his times of need- down to his very last minute. Billy was a great provider and a supportive husband. He was also a proud and nurturing father to his daughters & sons-in-law: Emily & Billy “Willie” Fulbright, of Missouri, Amanda & Daniel Norton, Ashley Jones, & Michelle Boyles, all of Kansas. One could argue that his favorite days were spent being a grandfather to his 17 grandchildren; all of whom survive him, and mourn with the greatest of sorrow, their Papa’s untimely passing: Haelee Fulbright, Hunter (Maddie) Hutchinson, Goose Fulbright, Kaleigh Norton, Henry Fulbright, Dana Lawrenz, , Echo Howard, Elsea Fulbright, Christian Norton, Molly Lawrenz, Zachary (Cheyenne) Norton, Trenton Lawrenz, Jackson Howard, Adayla Lawrenz, Skila Pastella, Tamara Garms, Kira Rhodes; and 4 great-grandchildren: Bennet Norton, Alexis Garms, Avari Garms, & Aiden Garms. Billy was a loving brother to his late sisters, Kathleen Watts & Telisa Lopez; as well as his surviving sister, Penny (Mike) Gray of Arkansas. He is survived by his Uncle Charlie (Mary Ann) Watts; Sisters-in-law: Mary (Jerry) McReynolds, Gina Michael, Debbie (Randy) Craig, and brother-in-law, C.E. (Sandy) Michael, all of Kansas. Billy is the grandson of the late Troy & Dovie (Geary) Watts of Kansas and the late Frank and Irkle (Webb) McKay of Arkansas. He fulfilled with ease, the roles of beloved nephew, cousin, friend, and uncle. He never met a stranger; as a result he is survived by many who remain unnamed. Despite all his hats, his head never got too big for his King’s crown. In 2019, he retired after 50 years driving an 18-wheeler across the States. Naturally, he was the ultimate atlas navigator, and successfully taught his children to navigate the endless configurations that are the contiguous U.S roadway system. Of all the roads driven, his favorite to drive was an old, country, gravel road. Home was forever his favorite destination. Billy Ray enjoyed the simple things in life: a back country road, a windy mountain highway, deer grazing in a field, dragonflies darting around a creek, hummingbirds extracting nectar from a flower, changing colors of the autumn leaves, a wild blackberry, a rod and reel, a bologna sandwich from the Goobertown grocery store, sending daily texts from his flip phone, making a bed or a quick game of basketball (after a friendly round of banter because he is definitely going to beat you). Fishing was his most favorite hobby. Although, he could be found watching an array of sporting events, his digital photo frame and The Weather Channel. He was known to get a bit overly excited about it too. Rain sure can be exciting! Although his journey to death was accelerated by illness, it can never overshadow the brightness of which he lived each day and the pleasure he felt of the life he found himself so fortunate to live. Billy will be remembered for that smile, his kindness, generosity, humor, his boisterous chuckle and the love that seeped from his pores for every person who crossed his path. He was always direct, honest and a little loud (maybe a lot loud). He would feed any person and go out of his way to return a lost wallet on Christmas morning. His last dollar was never his, someone always needed it more. He forever loved you more. Billy was just a genuinely good human being, a rare breed. His sense of humor lives on in those whom he loved most and he will forever remain, as he often claimed to be, "the brightest cookie in the package." He will be sorely missed by all who knew him. Here’s to the man of 5 million miles, who has completed his final journey home. Billy requests that folks arrive to his visitation wearing their favorite sport shirt or jersey & blue jeans. He also welcomes you to wear his favorite colors, purple or red, to his funeral. Services will be held at Maple Hill Funeral Home: Visitation services on Tuesday, October 17, 2023, from 5-7 p.m. Funeral services on Wednesday, October 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. The family invites you to join them for a dinner after funeral services at the daughters home, 17850 W 182nd Street Olathe ks 66062.

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Billy Ray Watts

September 20, 1955 - October 10, 2023