Rev. Billy Gene Raby

Billy Gene Raby, age 81, passed away peacefully at his home on December 27, 2020, after a strong fight against dementia. He was born October 23, 1939, in Greenville, KY. He spent most of his life in his beloved Kentucky and lived his final years in Spring Hill, TN.
 
The funeral service was held on December 30, 2020, at Tucker Funeral Home, Central City, KY. Burial took place immediately following the service with military honors at the Kentucky Veterans Cemetery, Hopkinsville, KY. The service was recorded and available for friends and family. In person attendance was limited to family only due to Covid-19 restrictions and to ensure the health and safety of all loved ones.
 
Billy is survived by his loving wife of 62 years Peggy Ann (Henderson) Raby of Spring Hill, TN. He is also survived by three children, Lessia Marie Roberts of Spring Hill, TN; David Wayne Raby (Selena) of Winchester, TN; and Mary Elizabeth Frith (Scott) of Brentwood, TN; 9 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
 
A veteran of the United States Navy,  proudly served his country. For many years following his service, he was an electrical engineer with Tennessee Valley Authority. Then, he was called to the ultimate service of sharing the word of God as a pastor in the United Methodist Church.  began his ministry in 1976 as the pastor of O'Roark and Stuart's Chapel United Methodist churches in Logan County, KY. He continued his ministry throughout southcentral Kentucky for decades before retiring from the United Methodist Church as an Elder.
 
 Billy was a graduate of Pembroke High School, Western Kentucky University, and Lindsey Wilson College and completed programs of study at Vanderbilt University Divinity school, Emory University and St. Paul University. He was also actively involved in the Emmaus/Chrysalis community in Kentucky where he served as Spiritual Director for many years. A true Kentuckian, Billy loved basketball and especially enjoyed watching the University of Kentucky Wildcats. He enjoyed playing basketball and baseball and coached both sports for youth and adult teams for many years.