Billy Ray Miller, age 76, Russellville, passed away Sept. 12 at his residence.

Mr. Miller loved music, both country and gospel. He loved playing guitar and singing, and he passed that passion onto his grandchildren. He was a member of Duncan Creek Baptist Church.  He was a loving son, husband, father and grandfather who will be missed by all who knew him.

The visitation will be 2-4 p.m. Sept. 14 at Spry Memorial Chapel, with the funeral following at 4 p.m. in the chapel. Officiating will be Bro. Tim Griffin. Burial will be at Franklin Memory Gardens.

He is preceded in death by his grandmother, Mattie Miller.

He leaves to cherish his memory his wife and best friend of 50 years, Wanda Willis Miller. Also surviving are his daughters, Tonja Hampton and husband Patrick and Bridgett Miller Johnson; grandchildren, Brandi Lynn Miller Croy, Sydney B. Johnson, David Brady Johnson and Samuel Miller Johnson; mother, Phares Hester; sisters, Joyce Green and Rita Hughes; brother, Ricky Hester; and a host of nieces and nephews.

The pallbearers will be Patrick Hampton, Tony Gann, Matt Forshey, Jimmy Croy, Brady Johnson, and Samuel Johnson. The honorary pallbearers will be his lifetime friend, Tommy Oliver, and brother, Ricky Hester.

The family would like to extend a special heartfelt thanks to the staff of Southern Care Hospice, Northwest Alabama Cancer Center, friends at Frankfort Missionary Baptist Church and Joyce Green for their love and care through this difficult time.