Rev. Billy Gene Raby, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home December 27, 2020, after a strong fight against dementia. He was born October 23, 1939, in Greenville. He spent most of his life in his beloved Kentucky and lived his final years in Spring Hill , Tenn. A veteran of the United States Navy, Billy proudly served his country. For many years following his service, he was an electrical engineer with Tennessee Valley Authority. Then, he was called to the ultimate service of sharing the word of God as a pastor in the United Methodist Church. He began his ministry in 1976 as the pastor of O’Roark and Stuart’s Chapel United Methodist churches in Logan County. He continued his ministry throughout south central Kentucky for decades before retiring from the United Methodist Church as an Elder.
Billy was a graduate of Pembroke High School, Western Kentucky University and Lindsey Wilson College and completed programs of study at Vanderbilt University Divinity school, Emory University and St. Paul University. He was also actively involved in the Emmaus/Chrysalis community in Kentucky where he served as Spiritual Director for many years. A true Kentuckian, Billy loved basketball and especially enjoyed watching the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and coached both sports for youth and adult teams for many years. Countless lives were positively impacted by Billy’s life and ministry. He will be forever remembered and revered for the work he did for his heavenly father here on earth and the amazing example he set for everyone who knew him.
Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years Peggy Ann ( Henderson ) Raby of Spring Hill, Tenn; children, Lessia Marie Roberts of Spring Hill, Tenn. ; David Wayne Raby (Selena) of Winchester, Tenn. and Mary Elizabeth Frith (Scott) of Brentwood, Tenn.; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Tucker Funeral Home, 113 North Third Street , Central City. Burial will take place immediately following the service with military honors at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, 5817 Fort Campbell Boulevard, Hopkinsville, KY. The service will be recorded and aired for friends and family at a later date. In person attendance will be limited to family only due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure the health and safety of all loved ones. To honor his memory and all those who have suffered from dementia or Alzheimer’s, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at https://act.alz.org/site/Donation2. Also, a tribute page is located at tuckerfuneralhomes.com
