Billy Ray Pickle

Billy Ray Pickle, 97, of Perryville, Missouri passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at his residence. He was born June 25, 1928 in Hartford, AR to Owen Galveston and Willie Margarite (Pitchford) Pickle. Billy and Babara Harbottle were married September 6, 1958 in Hartford, Arkansas. She preceded him on November 10, 2021. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Billy graduated from the University of Arkansas with a degree in Physical Education and went on to receive his Master in Education from Southeast Missouri State University. He worked as a football coach and P.E. teacher in his hometown of Hartford, AR and as well in Booneville, AR. In 1966 Billy and his family moved to Perryville, MO where he taught P.E., Health and Drivers Education. He also was a football, basketball, baseball, golf, track and field coach. Billy was very proud of his 1968 State Football Championship. He spent many years as a bus driver for Perryville and St. Vincent schools. He was very well known as a teacher, coach and bus driver but, most importantly he was a loving husband, a proud father, PaPa and PaPa Coach. Billy was a member of Lithium Baptist Church, and American Legion Post #133. Survivors include three daughters, Debbie (Mark) Regelsperger, Brenda Cobb, Terri (Ron) Halter, son, Randy (Nikki) Pickle; nine grandchildren, Andrea Buell, Lindsey (Andrew) Hecht, Bethany (Jared) Kutz, Audrey Cobb, Braden Cobb, Adam (Taylor) Halter, Andrew (Sarah) Halter, Alexis (Nate) Wills, Allison (Ryan) Jones; eighteen great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Babara Pickle; three sisters, Betty Shankle, Wanda Perry, Coleta Ludwig; brother, Frank Pickle. Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at Ford & Young Funeral Home in Perryville and will continue from 8:00 am to 10:00 am on Thursday, January 15, 2026 at the funeral home. Funeral Service will be at 10:00 am Thursday, January 15, 2026 at Ford & Young Funeral Home with Rev. Craig Petzoldt officiating. Burial will be at York Chapel Cemetery in Longtown. Military Honors will be provided by U.S. Navy Honors Team and American Legion #133 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Journey Hospice or Perryville Athletic Club. Online condolences may be made at www.fordandyoungfuneralhome.com. This was a man who has been a part of military personnel This was a man who represented his school, country, and family well This was a man who bled green and white This was a man who has never ran a red light This was a man who had pirate pride This was a man who has given athletes a safe ride This was a man who had a passion for education This was a man to many students he had been an inspiration This was a man who greeted everyone with a smile This was a man who everyday walked at least a mile This was a man who was along for when the girls basketball team went to state This was a man who was a coach on Perryville's greatest football team in 1968 This is Perryville's number one fan Who is this great man? This great man is Coach Pickle Wrtiten By: Winnie Frentzel Ford & Young Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Tributes

Billy Ray Pickle

June 25, 1928 - January 9, 2026