Billy Joe Raper, 80, died Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the North Mississippi Hospice Unit. He was born May 31, 1938, to Arthur and Mittie Benefield Raper. He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Mantachie. He was retired from the Mississippi State Department of Transportation after 39 years. He enjoyed playing dominoes, uno, listening to tapes of the Bible, watching westerns, and spending time with his family, especially his granddaughter, who was his pride and joy. He was a great father and provider, and is now at home with the love of his life, Lynda.

Services will be at 5:00 p. m. Friday, March 22, at the McNeece-Morris Funeral Home Chapel in Mantachie with Bro. Tim Holsonback and Bro. Rodney Lindsey officiating. Burial will be in the Mantachie Cemetery.

Survivors include one daughter, Lori Raper Worthey (Joseph); one granddaughter, Lyndsey Poores, both of Ballardsville; two sisters, Tennie Raper Clark of Zion, IL., and Dorothy Carol Hood of Houston community; five nieces and nephews; special friends, Sonya Bustamante (Ruben), and Shelly Fleming.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynda Roberts Raper; two sons, Joey Raper and a baby infant son; one brother, James Raper; two brothers-in-law, Jerry Clark and Truman Hood; and his parents.

Pallbearers will be Larry Booth, Daniel Horn, Frankie Lindsey, Jimmy Pettigo, and Wyatt Sheck.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jerry Wilburn, James Kitchens, his Sunday school class, and his neighbors on Mantachie Creek Road.

Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until service time on Friday at McNeece-Morris Funeral Home in Mantachie.