Obituary of Billy Ray Crow

Billy “Bill” Ray Crow passed away peacefully with his family surrounding him on July 20, 2020. Bill was born on March 20, 1936 to Willie and Lettie Crow in Dennard, Arkansas and moved to Lodi, California when he was 8 years old. Bill met and married the love of his life, Joyce, on April 8, 1961 and were married for 59 years, and had three children. Bill worked for General Mills for 38 years as a mechanic and supervisor. Bill had a very full life. Besides working at General Mills, he served in the US National Guard, he was a volunteer for the Lodi Police Department, and a volunteer fireman for the Forest Lake Fire Department and the Woodbridge Fire Department. Bill also volunteered as an assistant scout and baseball coach for his sons. While he was never an actual coach, he was always the honorary softball coach for all the years his daughter played ball. When he was working, volunteering, gardening or fixing something at home, he could be found camping, fishing, and traveling across the US with Joyce and his grandkids. Bill was an avid Dodger’s fan and if there was a game on tv he was right there watching it (often with colorful language involved). He also loved watching NASCAR. But one of his favorite things to do was to go to the casinos and play the slot machines. In the last several years, if it was Tuesday, you would find him and Joyce at the Jackson Rancheria. Bill will be missed by everyone who knew him, as he never met a stranger. He loved to talk and tell stories to anyone who would listen to him. He made lifelong friends with many people he met in a campground, a casino, or where ever he was. His family is going to miss him dearly and will always remember his stories, the repeating of the same stories, and him snoring in his favorite chair. Bill was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael Crow. He is survived by his loving wife, Joyce; son, Raymond Crow; daughter and son-in-law, Pattie and Jason Crowson; grandsons, Joshua Crow and Austin Crow; granddaughter, Sierra Crow; great-grandson, Evan Crow; great-granddaughter Alison Mallet; soon to be great-grandson, Jack Mallet; along with several nieces and a nephew. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2020 at noon at Cherokee Memorial Park, Lodi, California. If you are inclined to do so please wear blue as it was his favorite color. Due to the current circumstances social distancing and masks will be required. A reception will be held at his home immediately following. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to the charity of your choice in Bill’s name.