Billy Ray Sumrall, 71, a resident of Franklinton, went to be with the Lord Sunday night April 14, 2019, at Lakeview Regional Medical Center.

He was a Class of 1966 graduate of Franklinton High School. Billy Ray joined the U.S. Army and served during the Vietnam War. He was a true entrepreneur as he owned many different businesses through the years, including The Catfish Hut, Amite Homes and Sumrall Mobile Home Park and several others. Billy Ray enjoyed hunting, fishing and the outdoors. He was a member of First Baptist Church and a one-of-a-kind personality. He always enjoyed spending time with his family, often while going out to eat, and loved playing with his young great-granddaughter.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Joyce Sumrall of Franklinton; daughter and son-in-law, Kristi Sumrall Lemoine and Richard Lemoine of Watson; son and daughter-in-law, Billy Joe and Robin Sumrall of Franklinton; four grandchildren and a spouse, Amber Nicole Lemoine, William David Lemoine, Harley Alexander Sumrall, Brooke Jordan Bankston and Dewayne Bankston; great-granddaughter, Adrienne Kate “Addy Kate” Bankston; four brothers and a sister-in-law, Jewell Sumrall, Virgil Sumrall and Levi Sumrall, all of Franklinton, and Michael and Rose Sumrall of Amite; sister, Jeanette Sumrall of Franklinton; two “adopted” children, Stan Statham and Melinda Stafford; and also numerous nieces, nephews, other family members and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Zander Sumrall Sr. and Liddie Spears Sumrall; five brothers, Murle Sumrall, James Sumrall, Darvin Sumrall, Doyle Sumrall and Zander “Junior” Sumrall Jr.; a sister, Myrtle Sumrall Nielson; and mother-in-law, Ettie Cutrer.

Visitation will be at Crain Funeral Home on Thursday, April 18, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and after 9 a.m. on Friday, April 19. A funeral service will be held in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. Friday, April 19, with the Rev. Stan Statham and the Rev. Randall Camardelle officiating. Burial will follow in Ellis Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorial donations to the Washington Parish Food Bank and Thrift Store (2208 Washington St. in Franklinton) or to Hospice Compassus.

Pallbearers will be Ronnie Nielson, Gary Nielson, Greg Holmes, Timmy Holmes, Keith Sumrall and Alex Sumrall.

Obituaries can be viewed online at www.crainfh.com.