Billy Ray Tooley, born April 3, 1946, in Springfield, Missouri, to Willard Floyd Tooley and Lorena Helen (Lott) Tooley, passed away on June 15, 2025. Billy’s father passed away when he was just six months old, and he was lovingly raised by his stepfather, Willis Gibson, who helped shape the man he became.

Billy spent most of his life in Springfield before retiring in 2009 and settling into the peaceful country life in Bolivar, Missouri.

He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps, a time in his life he often spoke of with pride. After his service, Billy became a truck driver and was a longtime member of the Teamsters Local 245. Known in his younger years as a bit of a “ringtail twister,” Billy had a wild streak full of pranks and mischief, but he never met a stranger and was the kind of man who remembered every name and made fast friends wherever he went.

On August 5, 1968, Billy married the love of his life, Christine. It may have taken him a few years to settle down, but when he did, he became a devoted husband and a wonderful family man. He loved to go fishing and treasured the quiet solitude and joy it brought him.

In 1995, Billy and Christine found their faith and were saved and baptized together in the Master’s Area at Stockton Lake, while attending Bethel Community Church. More recently, they have been members of Heritage Baptist Church, where Billy’s deep faith continued to grow.

He was a man who valued order and simplicity-his home and life were well-organized, and everything had its place. Billy loved animals, especially his beloved dogs Nikko and Coco, who brought him great comfort and companionship.

Billy Ray Tooley has left his “earth suit” and gone home to be with Jesus. He will be remembered for his humor, his stories, his heart for people, and the legacy of a life well-lived.

Billy is survived by his loving wife Christine, daughter Wendy Smith, son William Bernard, grandchildren Sawyer Smith (Maddie), Abigail Culp (John), Sarah Brewer, Stacie Daniel (Gus), Rebekah Mitts, Erica Smith, Jassimine Smith and Skyler Teifke, great-grandchildren Dante Culp, Jaden Culp, Ellie Daniel, and Julie Daniel, Sister Violet Carter and brothers Roger Gibson and Russell Gibson (Renee) as well as a host of nieces and nephews.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents and step-father Willis Gibson, sister Darlene Innes, brothers Rex and Roy Tooley and Junior Gibson, daughter Laura Mitts, and granddaughters Christina Smith and Rachel Smith.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at 10:00 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place afterward at New Hope Cemetery in Pleasant Hope, Missouri.