Billy Ray Howard

Billie Ray Howard (aka Billy Ray), 82 of Harlan, KY, departed this life on Wednesday August 31, 2022, at Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital due to long-term health issues. Billy Ray was born in Wallins Creek, KY, on April 8, 1940, to the late James L. Howard and Aretha Hensley Howard Caldwell (Sparks). He had a carefree spirit, nomadic demeanor, enjoyed trips to the casino, watching western movies, singing, and playing the guitar.

Besides his biological parents, Billy Ray was preceded in death by his legal guardians,
Benjamin Unthank Hensley (uncle) and Lillie Mae Thomas Hensley (aunt) and their
children (his first cousins): Beda “Betty” S. Hensley Gill, Benjamin U. Hensley, Jr.,
William L. Hensley and Verna Mae Hensley Lawson; his grandson, Robert Dewayne
Frazier; siblings: Mary Ruth Howard Lerwill, Jessie Mae Howard Saylor, Ruby Howard
Caldwell, Fletia Howard, Zed Mack Howard, Benjamin Franklin Howard; half siblings:
Marcella Faye Caldwell Lankford, Imogene Caldwell Saylor, and Curtis J. Caldwell.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Elva Louise Howard; his two daughters: Sherry L. Frazier of Tazewell, TN and Tina L. Quick (husband Edward) of Ocean Pines, MD; his two sons: Ronald W. Howard, Sr. (wife Margaret) of Laurel, DE and Jeffery L. Howard, Sr. (wife BethAnn) of Millsboro, DE; nine grandchildren: Crystal L. Frazier Lawson, Amy S. Frazier Mayes, Ronald W. Howard, Jr., Tiffany M. Howard, Edward M. Quick,III, Ethan H. Quick, Jeffery L. Howard, Jr., Lucas C. Howard and Savannah L. Howard, multiple great grandchildren and sister Alice Fern Howard Noe (husband Bill) of Wallins, KY.

Billy Ray and his family are very appreciative of the care provided to him by the medical staff at Harlan Appalachian Regional Hospital and Tri-Cities Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Cumberland, KY.

All services will be private.

On behalf of the staff of the Henson & Rich Funeral Home we would like to offer our heartfelt sympathy to the family during your time of bereavement.

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