Billy Ray Lowery, 79, passed away March 26th, 2023, at his home in Bella Vista, Arkansas. He was born March 4th, 1944, in Gideon, Missouri to William and Viola Lowery.

Bill was a 1962 graduate of Gideon High School. He earned a bachelor's degree in social studies and physical education from Southeast Missouri State College and a master's degree in education from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. Two months after starting his first job as a physical education teacher in St. Louis County, Bill was drafted and served in the U.S. Army in Vietnam. During his tour, he received a Bronze Star Medal for bravery. After his tour in Vietnam Bill continued his career in education teaching at Pierremont Elementary School in St. Louis County for thirty years. While at Pierremont Bill built a successful gymnastics program. His school was awarded the Presidential Physical Fitness Award numerous times. Bill was Pierremont Teacher of the Year, received the "Pillar of Parkway Award" and the Missouri Physical Education Association Teacher of the year.

Bill met Ruth Smith of Ironton, MO at college and they were married in January of 1966 at Red Star Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, MO. Their marriage of 57 years is a testament to the love and commitment they had for one another. They were blessed with three children and three grandchildren.

During his life Bill was active in serving the Lord. He served in the bus ministry, AWANA program, youth group and taught Sunday school classes. Bill was also active in leadership positions and served as a deacon in various churches.

Bill lived in St. Louis, MO until 2000 when he retired to Bella Vista, AR. After retirement he enjoyed golfing and working part time on the golf course. Bill enjoyed spending time with family and friends and stayed busy working in his garden and finding wood to cut to build his woodpile.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, James and wife, Betty; brother, Winslow and wives, Ruth and Thelma; brother, Bob and wife, Cheryl; sister, Alice and husband, Lloyd; brother in law, Johnnie Dell.

He is survived by wife, Ruth Lowery; son, Timothy and wife, Denette, granddaughter, Paxton; son, Thomas and wife, Yolanda; daughter, Tamah White and husband, Daniel; granddaughters, Abigail, and Amelia;  sister, Frankie Dell; and brother, Ronnie Lowery and wife, Nancy.

Bill's memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 1st, at 2:00 p.m. at Village Baptist Church, 380 Glasgow Road #3500, Bella Vista, AR 72715 with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until service time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Loving Choices Pregnancy Centers, 3610 W. Southern Hills Blvd. Rogers, AR 72715.

Arrangements are being made by the Bella Vista Funeral Home and Crematory. Online condolences can be left at www.funeralmation.com.