Billie Ray Gillette (Bill) went home to be with his Lord on October 12, 2026. Billie was born on December 21, 1945 in Adair Country, Oklahoma to Gerald and Wilmadean (Kindle) Gillette. He graduated from Mountainburg High School in 1963 and the University of Arkansas in 1974 with a degree in Business Accounting.

Billie married Maris Ann (Sherry) Gillette on January 24, 1965. They were blessed with two sons Donald Ray and Anthony Dwayne. They moved to Kansas City in 1965 where he began his career working for Chrysler Parts Depot in Kansas City, Kansas. He retired from KCPL where he was an instrument and relay technician.

Billie was a jack of all trades including shade tree mechanic, carpenter, plumber, and electrician and was always willing to lend a helping hand. “Happy” was his prized name, which his oldest grandson Hayden gave him because he couldn’t say Pappy. The name stuck with him through all four of his grandchildren. Being Happy was a very important job for him in his retirement, attending more concerts, performances, robotics, and sporting events that we can count. He was known by all who were close to him for his dry sense of humor.

He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Wilmadean and siblings John and James.

He is survived by his wife Maris Ann Gillette of Smithville, MO, sons Donald Ray Gillette (Patty) of Liberty, MO and Anthony Dwayne Gillette (Meredith), and grandchildren Hayden Gillette, Samantha (Daniel) Speedy, Garrett Gillette, and Ethan Gillette of Parkville, MO. He is also survived by his sister, Drenda Hinkel of Watts, OK and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation is scheduled for Thursday, October 15, 2026 from 5-7 PM at Park Lawn Northland Chapel, 1640 N. Rt. 291 Hwy, Liberty, MO 64068

A graveside service and burial will be held on Friday, October 16, at 1PM at Fall Creek Cemetery, Strickler, AR. The service will be officiated by Pastor Walter Overman.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Providence Baptist Church, 12206 N. Stark Ave. Kansas City, MO, 64167.