Billy Ray Burress

Billy Ray Burress, age 86, was born on September 13, 1939, in Ridgely, TN, and departed this life on August 21, 2026.

He was a dedicated assembly worker at Ford Motor Co., where he invested his craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail. After years of committed service, he retired, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and hard work. Billy was a US Army veteran of the Vietnam Era.

Billy was preceded in death by his wife, Odessa Dulaney Burress in 2013; parents, Donley Mooring Burress and Sarah Stephens Burress; and by his brothers, Bobby Joe Burress, Don Burress, and sisters, Judith, and Linda.

He is survived by his son, James Burress; grandsons, Joshua Burress and Jared Burress and wife Ashley; and by his great granddaughter, Adelynn.

A graveside service for Billy will be held at 10 AM on Wednesday August 26, 2026, at Christian Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Rochester, Michigan, with Military Honors.

Arrangements by the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home in cooperation with the Hopcroft Funeral Home in Madison Heights, Michigan.