Billy Ray Reed, 55, of Paragould died Sunday, March 6, 2005 at Rush University Presbyterian Hospital at Chicago.

Born at Jonesboro, he lived most of his life in the Jonesboro area before moving to Paragould five years ago. He was an employee of Wolverine Worldwide at Jonesboro and was a Marine Corps veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his service in the Marines, he enlisted in the Army and retired as a captain in the Army Reserve at Jonesboro. He was of the Pentecostal belief.

Survivors include three sons, Billy Reed of Trumann, Emmitt Reed of the home, and Daniel Reed of Jonesboro; two daughters, Deborah Lindsey of Bloomington, Ill., and Anita Cunningham of the home; three brothers, Ronald Reed of Lake City, David Reed of Jonesboro and Luther Reed of Bay; three sisters, Lethel Woods and Martha Maggard, both of Trumann, and Jo Ella Miller of Jonesboro; and three grandchildren, Christian Russell Reed, Hunter Reed and Robin Armstrong.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Geneva Hill Reed.

Funeral services were Friday, March 11, 2005 at Emerson Funeral Home's Memorial Chapel of Jonesboro, with the Rev. Larry Bogard officiating. Burial followed in Bolivar Cemetery.

Active pallbearers were Qunicy Bogard, Jason Cantrell, Joey Butler, Larry Bogard, Joseph Smith and Buddy Smith.

Mark Raney served as an honorary pallbearer.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation.