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Billy Ray Jeffers

08/26/1939 - 11/17/2019
Service Date: 12/13/2019
Service Time: 10:30 AM
Service Location: National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, 23029 N. Cave Creek Road, Phoenix, Arizona

Billy Ray Jeffers, 80, of Oneida, Tennessee, passed away quietly and peaceful on Sunday morning November 17, 2019 in Gilbert, AZ with family. He lived in Tucson for 50 years. Bill made a career serving our country. He served in the Army for 21 years. He loved the Lord and lived his testimony daily. He was grateful to be an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.  He joined the Church in April of 1992 and remained a strong active member the rest of his life. He enjoyed reading his scriptures and knew the Old and New Testament better than most. His favorite verse of scripture is the last verse in the Book of Mormon.

Bill loved to play the guitar and sing. He was a lifelong member of the Arizona Old Time Fiddlers of Tucson. Johnny Cash; “The Man in Black” was his favorite. He sang “I walk the line” at his son’s wedding reception. It was a perfect rendition. Dad played and sounded just like him. The last song Dad sang on Tuesday December 4, 2018 at the Old Time Fiddlers jam session was “I remember the year that Clayton Delaney Died” by Tom T. Hall. His Martin guitar now sits on a stand beside his son’s bed. He was a great father and loved his two kids and his grandchildren and left them a great legacy. He talked with his daughter and son every week. He would call and say “hello, it’s just your Dad. I was calling to tell you I love you, hope everything goes good and smooth for you today”. Bill is survived by his daughter Lorrie (Brian) Hunt and his son Anthony (Laura) Jeffers and their mother Mary Ann Jeffers. He is preceded by his parents, Ellery Jeffers and Eva Mae Keeton.

Bill was a Grand Old Warrior. Just before he passed away, Bill was able to see his first great grandson and took a four generations photo of firstborn Jeffers boys. It was a real treat for him. Bill was one of a kind. He was the genuine article.  He was a country boy through and through and boy could he survive. He was born in Oneida, Tennessee on August 26, 1939. He was raised by immediate and extended family in both Tennessee and Cincinnati, Ohio.  He loved to hunt and fish. He graduated from high school in 1960 and enlisted in the Army. He traveled all over the world and spent a great deal of time in Europe. He focused his time and energy in intelligence warfare and electronics. He could fix and repair anything. He retired from Ft. Stewart Georgia in 1981. Bill was extremely well read. He loved to learn, read and study.

A memorial service will be held on December 13, 2019 at 10:30 AM at the National Military Cemetery at 23029 North Cave Creek Road Phoenix, AZ 85024. A luncheon for family and friends will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 2233 South Wade Drive Gilbert, AZ 85295 following the service.

Bill was true missionary, so in lieu of flowers, please donate to the Missionary Department of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 50 E. North Temple Street Salt Lake City, UT 84150. Attn: General Missionary Fund. Please include your return address with your donation. For full online obituary, see www.bunkerfuneral.com

 

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  • Sheila Hall Buttram

    Bill and I grew up in the same tiny community I dead that he led a very rewarding life. I’m happy to know that. So sorry for your loss. I remember he loved to sing and play guitar. Glad he continued that. God bless and comfort you is my prayer

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