Billy Ray Jackson was born August 3, 1942, to Myrtle Darnes and Adam Gilford in Vernon, TX. Billy was a long-time resident of Vernon, TX where he resided with his wife Barbara Taylor for 47 years. Billy was a truck driver, business owner, and custodian of the community until he became ill. He was an honorary member of the Wood Street Baptist Church of Vernon, TX. He brought joy to all his family and friends. A beloved son, father, grandfather, "great grandfather", and husband. He touched many lives in his 80 years here on earth. Billy Ray Jackson entered eternal rest on Friday, June 30, 2023, in a local Rehab in Vernon, Tx at the age of 80.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 11:00 am at Sullivan Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Robert Thomas officiating.  Burial will follow at Eastview Cemetery under the direction of Sullivan Funeral Home.

He was preceded in death by "Mother" Myrtle Darnes, "Father" Adam Gilford, "Wife" Barbara Taylor, "Sister" Rita McCallon, "Stepsons" Douglas Cruse and George Cruse, and "Best friend" Isaac Hickman "Gator". He leaves behind to cherish his memories, two daughters Lolita C. Thomas of Fort Worth, TX, Deborah Edwards (Jody) of Lubbock, TX. Two stepdaughters Yolanda Mossley of Lawton, OK, and Tracy Swan (Sammy) of Vernon, TX. Three sons Billy Ray Darnes of Tyler, TX, Ronnie D. Jackson of Fort Worth, TX, and Tyrone T. Taylor of Cedar Hill, TX. A sister Gence McCallon Edwards of Austin, TX. Three brothers Maurice Bumpus of Vernon, TX, Kenneth McCallon and Donnell McCallon of Amarillo, TX. A host of grandchildren, "great" grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be Friday, July 7, 2023 from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Sullivan Funeral Home.