Billy Jack Spray passed from this life on January 3, 2023, at his home in Las Cruces, NM, after many brave struggles with various longterm health issues. Son of deceased lifelong Motley County residents, Jack and Rosa Spray, he graduated in 1954 from Matador High School, where he played football, serving as team captain.
He graduated in 1958 with a degree in math from West Texas State College, where he met and married the love of his life, Sylvia Sheldon, in 1956. This devoted couple celebrated their 66th year of love and partnership on December 21, 2022.
Billy Jack served in the army in Pennsylvania at a Nike missile site. He returned to Texas to teach math and physics in Spur for two years. In 1962 he was hired as a computer programmer atWhite Sands Missile Range, where he worked until he retired in 1990.
An active member of the Church of Christ since his high school days in Matador, he served as elder of the University Church of Christ in Las Cruces for 33 years. He remained a faithful member in attendance for every service and contributed to many needs of the community through his services to this church.
Billy Jack entered this world on a cold morning, December 21, 1935, near Whiteflat, Texas, delivered by Dr. Albert Traweek, who made it to the Spray home despite unwelcome sand beds on the country roads en route.
His mother named his distinguishing characteristics as determined and independent; perhaps he was born just that way, for he’s been thus ever since, accomplishing whatever he set out to do in just the way he determined to do it.
Or perhaps“steadfast”would better describe his lifelong, never-wavering commitment to God, family and friends. Always constant, always devoted and faithful, cherished by those he touched, he lived an inspiring life to be admired, dedicating his life to serving God wherever he lived.
Billy Jack is survived by his wife, Sylvia; four children, Scott and wife, Lisa, of Norman, Okla., Nikki Whitlock of Garland, Texas, Becky Keyes and husband, Kevin, of Las Cruces N.M., and Jay and wife, Kelli, of Ruidoso, N.M.. His surviving descendants include 12 grandchildren, Sally Becker, Gwyn Nance, Alice Whaley, Alexander Spray, Kaitlyn Thames, Brandon Whitlock, Shane Coppedge, Will Coppedge, Lynn Jemison, and Caleb, Nathan and Andrew Spray and their families, including 14 great-grandchildren. There are 43 family members.
He is also survived by sister Geney Stan of La Plata, N.M. and his nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Norman and Melvin, sister Melba and grandson Justin Coppedge.
At his request there will be no services.