April 3, 2024, 93, Goldsboro —

Surrounded by his loving family, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Billy Ray Hinson, departed this life on April 3rd to joyfully reside in his heavenly home.

Born in Goldsboro, NC on March 6, 1931, Billy Ray resided in Wayne County his entire life with the exception of his military service. He was predeceased by his father, Ed Berry Hinson, his mother, Louise Jones Hinson, his brothers Ed Berry Hinson, Jr., Al Wesley Hinson (Mary), and his sister, Agatha Hinson Jones (Lloyd).

Those who survive but feel this loss deeply are his cherished wife of 65 years, Marie James Hinson, his treasured daughters Sherry Hinson Myers (Craig), and Samone Hinson Lancaster (Glenn), his adored grandchildren Derek Lancaster (Lindsay), Bryant Ray Lancaster (Kara), Cameron Myers (Bardin) and Savannah Myers Dailey (Cameron). One of his greatest late-life joys was the arrival of his great-granddaughter, Corie Grace Lancaster, and the news of the forthcoming arrivals of Hudson James Lancaster and Baby Boy Dailey.

Billy Ray was exceptionally proud of his service to his country in the United States Army during the Korean War. He often spoke of his time spent in Paris, France during the post-World War II era and the impact it made on his life. Upon the completion of his military service, he followed in the footsteps of his uncle, Aaron Hinson, and worked as a barber before beginning his lifetime career in the electrical supply business.

Billy Ray was happiest spending quality time and laughter with his family. His two daughters considered him the perfect “girl dad” as he attended every dance and piano recital as well as taught them a profound love of good music, dogs, dance moves, and college basketball. He joyfully ate every culinary creation from their Easy Bake Ovens with the happiest of smiles.

His lifelong passion for the sport of deer hunting knew no bounds. He spent many happy hours hunting in Wayne and Duplin counties with his dear friends. He was also known for sharing his hunting knowledge with many young boys in the community. He often proclaimed that he felt closest to his Lord and Savior while communing with nature.

The family was honored to have Billy Ray lovingly cared for by Janet Grice, Shirley Worrell, and the staff of Gentiva Hospice. We are forever grateful for their faithful and compassionate service to him.

The family will receive guests at a visitation from 3:00 until 4:00 PM on Sunday, April 7th followed by a Service of Remembrance at 4:00 PM at Trinity Baptist Church, 1086 NC Hwy 111 South, Goldsboro, NC with Reverends Dave Fishman and Brad Mitchell officiating. Interment will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, in Wayne Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.