Mr. Billy Ray Fisher's Obituary
Billy Ray Fisher was born on August 6, 1940, in Meridian (Lauderdale County), Mississippi to Ernest Johnson Fisher and Josephine Gathright Fisher. He departed this life on July 22, 2019 at New York University Medical Center (Tisch Hospital) in New York City.
Billy was the second of twelve children, six boys and six girls. He was preceded in death by: his parents; three brothers: Charlie fisher, James Franklin Fisher, Raytheon Fisher Sr; three sisters: Pamela Fisher Bankhead, JoAnn Fisher Jennings and Linda Fisher Shadwick.
As a youngster, Billy was very active in the 4H Club. he learned how to plant trees and respect our natural resources. One highlight was when he won the annual scramble to catch a calf at the Mississippi/Alabama State Fair. The 4H Club provided Billy with much to draw from throughout his adult years.
He was baptized at an early age at Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church and he worshipped there with his family until he graduated from high school and left to serve our country. At the time of his passing, he was a member of Fifth Avenue Presbyterian Church in New York City.
Educations was a priority for Billy. He was awarded his high school diploma at Stevenson High School in Toomsuba, MS; Associate of Arts degree in Sociology from Los Angeles Southwest College; Peace officer Certification from Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Academy; Bachelor of Public Administration degree from California State University, Dominguez Hills; Master of Public Administration degree from Pepperdine University in California and School Administration Certification from Concordia University of Wisconsin.
Billy’s military service was with the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve. he enlisted in the Army as a soldier and received an Honorable Discharge. he later joined the Army Reserve and retired as Chief Warrant Officer 3.
He experiences an array of employment opportunities that included the textile industry, the aerospace industry and law enforcement, all in Los Angeles. He served as a teacher and an assistant principal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His substitute teaching experience took place in Jefferson county, Alabama, Dobbs Ferry, New York, Irvington, New York and Brownsville, New York. He was extremely blessed to enjoy the benefits of multiple retirements.
Billy served as an Ordained Deacon and an Ordained Elder in the Presbyterian Church USA, Chapter President, Frontiers International, Inc., Scoutmaster, Boy Scouts of America, Inc. and President, Parent/Teacher Organization.
Billy was exceedingly proud of his family. They worshipped together, participated in community activities together and travelled often. The family was frequently referred to as “the Four Fishers”
He loved people and enjoyed entertaining around the barbecue grill. He unusual talent for humor showered many with an abundance of joy and laughter.
Billy leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 44 years, Henrietta Bunn Fisher of New York; two beloved sons: Byron Randall Fisher of New York and Calvin Beason Fisher of Virginia; three sisters: Mary fisher Hughes, Eva Fisher Freeman (James) and Diane Fisher of California; two brothers: Ernest E. Fisher and Raymond Fisher, Sr.(Margaret) of California; one paternal aunt, Geraldine Fisher Moore of Illinois; one maternal aunt, Grace Gathright Smit of New Jersey; mother-in-law, Lola White Bunn of Alabama; three sisters-in-law: JoAnn Bunn Hicks, Yvonne Bunn Burge and Beverly Bunn Grant (Eddie) of Alabama; one Goddaughter, Carolyn Jones Allen of Wisconsin and one God grand daughter, Alana Camille Allen of Massachusetts and a wealth of loving nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
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