William Raymond "Billy Ray" Haynes was born on December 14, 1929, in Harrison County, Texas to parents J.E. and Cecile Pace Haynes. He passed peacefully in his home in Marshall, Texas at the age of 93, on October 20, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church in Marshall with Dr. Jerry Vincent and Dr. Wallace Watkins officiating. Interment will follow at Nesbitt Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, October 26, at Downs Funeral Home from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.

Remaining to cherish his memories and continue his legacy are his wife of 67 years, Carolyn McKay Haynes; his three children, William M. "Mike" (Mary Ann) Haynes, Mark E. Haynes, Melanie (Clifton) Woodley; grandchildren Aislinn Haynes (Robert McBride), Austin (Melissa) Haynes, Layn (Rylee) Haynes, Matraya Haynes, Audrey Woodley, Adam (Katilynn) Woodley; great-grandchildren Taylor McBride Guffey, Robert Payne McBride, Jarrod McBride, Roseanna McBride, Reid Haynes, Rhett Haynes, and Judson Woodley. Billy is also survived by his brother Kenneth (Nancy) Haynes; nephews Roger (Andrea) Haynes and David (Katherine) Haynes; as well as five great-nephews and one great-niece. He is also survived by extended family members and friends.

Billy was born, raised, and lived in Harrison County his entire life. He was a charter member of Central Baptist Church in 1943 and was the first person baptized in the new church. He graduated from Marshall High School in 1947 and enjoyed numerous class reunions with his graduating class throughout the years. After graduation, Billy joined his father in the dairy business and was instrumental in introducing the Holstein cow to Harrison County. His initial purchase of four Holstein cows were brought to Texas from a dairy farm in Illinois.

In June of 1951, he left the dairy farm to join the United States Marine Corps serving his country in the Korean War. Upon discharge in 1954, Billy returned home to dairy farming. It was upon his return that he noticed a neighbor girl, Carolyn McKay, had grown up during his time away. As she was waiting for the school bus one morning, he stopped on his way to the milk plant to ask if she wanted to ride to town with him. And she has been riding with him for 67 years. Billy and Carolyn were married and worked together on Haynes Turkey Ranch, in Haynes Feed House, and the couple also became full-time Rural Mail Carriers on the same day.

Billy owned a school bus and drove a route for Marshall ISD. He also drove the bus and participated in multiple canoe trips to Canada with local boy scout troops. Billy served Route 4 in Marshall for the United States Postal Service for twenty years. He was also a farmer raising Black Diamond watermelons to sell along with many other fruits and vegetables for his family.

Billy was a Master Mason for more than 50 years as a member of the Marshall Lodge 22 AF&AM. He won many 4H national awards. He was a friend and member of many organizations including VFW, National Rural Letter Carriers Association, Sons of the Confederacy, and Nesbitt Cemetery Association. For many years, he joined friends each morning at the Whataburger "Coffee Club."

Billy was a Daddy, Granddaddy, and "Dooie" who was consistently present at events for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His family will cherish their memories and special times they spent together.

The family wishes to offer a special thanks to his caregivers Emma Williams and Annie Singleton as well as the caring staff of CHRISTUS Home Health and Marshall Homecare and Hospice.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Central Baptist Church general fund.