Obituary of Billie Ray Deaton

Billie Ray Deaton was born on Sunday October 15, 1944 in Brookside, Kentucky; He was one of four children born from the union of the late Milliard and the late Opal (Rouse) Deaton. Billie married the love of his life the former, Myra Denice Lymond on June 20, 1969 at Monroe Missionary Baptist Church. Billie worked hard to support his family, for over twenty-eight years he worked as a clerk for Kroger in Monroe. He put in a few more years at the local Meijer, finally taking retirement in 2003. Billie was proud of his family, he was a wonderful father and grandpa. His friendliness shined through with long conversations with others. He enjoyed several hobbies through the years. His green thumb often made his gardens thrive, in which on many occasions would be turned into beautiful photographs. Billie’s love for the outdoors also led him to many hunting and fishing trips along the way. When it came time to relax, Billie enjoyed reading the Bible or watching one of his favorite televangelists. He enjoyed the Sci-Fi network, especially Star Trek and playing video games. Billie Ray Deaton, age 72, of Monroe, passed away at 3:00pm on Friday, March 17, 2017 at Fountainview of Monroe. In addition to his parents, Billie was preceded by his daughter: Shelly Marie Deaton in 2012; sisters: Shirley Schmidt and Midge Deaton; brother: John Deaton; and his father and mother in-law: Harry and Virginia Lymond. To cherish his memory, Billie leaves his loving wife of nearly forty-eight years: Myra Denice Deaton; a son: William (Jacqueline) Deaton of Monroe; three grandchildren: Michael Cardwell II, Kassie Deaton, and Desirae Deaton; and his loving canine companion: Winnie. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday, March 21, 2017 and from 10:00am until 11:00am on March 22, 2017 at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe, 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe (734)384-5185. A Celebration of his Life will follow at 11:00am also at Merkle’s with Minister James J. Puhl of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church officiating. Procession will follow to LaSalle Township Cemetery for final interment. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to ProMedica Hospice or the American Cancer Society. Online guests may leave words of comfort and inspiration or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com. John 11:25-26 – “Jesus said to her, I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.”