Billy Ray Burkett, 80, passed away January 27, 2026. The family will host a visitation at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 in the Heartland Funeral Home chapel in Early, Texas. Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, January 30, 2026 at Heartland Funeral Home with interment to follow at Zephyr Cemetery in Zephyr, Texas.
Billy Ray was born on September 9, 1945 in Century, Florida to Marlon and Wilma Burkett. He attended high school at Brownwood High. Billy Ray married Ella Mae Kinsey on May 7, 1965 and they began a life together that blessed them with 4 children.
Billy loved to BBQ with family and go camping. When his boys were younger, he coached their baseball team. Billy spent many weekends fishing and hunting and he loved listening to Friday night Brownwood Lions football games.
Billy is survived by his daughter, Christie Hart of Zephyr, Texas; son, Donnie Burkett (Tira) of Brownwood, Texas; son, Jody Burkett (Esther) of Zephyr, Texas; son, James Burkett (Amanda) of Zephyr, Texas; 18 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Ella Burkett; his parents, Marlon and Wilma Burkett; sister and brother-in-law, Linda and Lonnie Lamb; grandson, Taylor Hart; great granddaughter, Ellie Rae Wiedebusch; and son in law, Larry Hart.
The family would like to say thank you to Solaris Hospice and Oakridge Manor for all of their help during this time, and a special thanks to Kelly Stevens, Shannon Snyder, and Stephanie Sinclair.