Billy Morris Rather, 89, of Sulphur, La. passed away on Friday, June 9, 2023 at his residence. He was born to his late parents, Douglas and Mayzelle Rather on Dec. 19, 1933 in Franklin, Ky. He loved to listen to classic country and bluegrass music, and enjoyed good country cooking (favorites were sweets). He was proud of his military service in the United States Army, and was a part of the 24th Infantry in Korea. Billy enjoyed old westerns and classic tv shows. Most of all, he loved his family and spending time with them.

He is survived by his son, Gerald Rather of Iowa, La.; and honorary adopted daughter, Annette Roland; eight grandchildren, Michael Rather (Megan), Tyler Rather (Emily), Krystal Rather Howard (Phillip), Chad Martin (Hope), Rhonda Rather, Dawn Stine, Latosha Rather, and Ryan Walker; 15 great-grandchildren; eight great-great grandchildren; along with his cousins, Lyda Groves and Ellis Clark.

Billy is preceded in death by his wife, Margie Rather; his parents; two sons, Doug Rather and William Walker; two daughters, Brenda Martin and Billie Plummer; daughter-in-law, Sheila Kay Rather; along with his brother, James “Jim” Rather.

A Celebration of Billy’s life will be held at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 14, 2023, at 2 p.m., with Hixson Celebrant Jody Barrilleaux. Visitation will be at Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home on Tuesday, June 13, 2023, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. Visitation will resume at the funeral home on Wednesday, from 12 p.m. until the time of the service. Burial will follow at Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss, Louisiana.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hixsonsulphurmemorial.com for the Rather family.