Billy Ray Kemper, 73, passed away peacefully surrounded by family. Born with a steadfast spirit and a heart for service, Bill dedicated his life to his family, his church, his country, his community, and the people he loved.

Bill proudly served 21 years, retiring as a Captain in the Missouri National Guard. He worked many natural disasters, serving in Japan, Panama, Honduras, and Jamaica, where he met the love of his life. Bill retired from the U.S. Postal Service after 33 years as a Carrier/Supervisor. Whether in uniform or walking his postal route, he was known for his integrity, reliability, and warm presence. Bill served as a Deacon for Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church. He loved serving people, whether in the postal service, military, church, or his AMWAY business.

They loved to travel, including RV, cruises, and international. One summer, the family hit 21 states and another, Bill and Judy spent 6 weeks RVing thru Alaska. There were annual trips with the in-laws to Branson to celebrate birthdays and veterans.

A true outdoorsman, Bill found his greatest joy in fishing, hunting, and spending time at their "Happy Place", a 175 acre recreational/hunting property. A place filled with memories, laughter, and lessons passed down through generations. Since his cancer diagnosis, he built a drive in processing building with commercial kitchen, a sawmill, drilled a well to provide water, and set up off grid solar to all. He hunted deer, turkey, black bear, and coyote there. His ducks followed him everywhere! Bill went "catching" in Canada for 21 years, taking many family members with him for the experience of catching, not just fishing. Hunting elk in Colorado provided the proudly mounted trophy that greets visitor's as they come in the front door at the house.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Audine (Dean) McGahan, his stepfather, Norbert McGahan; his father, Charles Kemper: his stepmother Jean Kemper; and his stepbrother, Steve Hooten. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Judy of 33 years (only 8 anniversaries since they married on leap day) and his four children – Erica, Chad, Dustin (Tanida), and Bianca – all of whom carry forward his strength, humor, and unwavering love; 2 joyful grandkids, Emila and Dean; his brother Edward (Karen), sisters, Sherry (Mike) Nelson, and Chris (Larry) Truka-Weisz and numerous extended family and friends.

Bill will be remembered for his generosity, his steady hand, and the devotion he showed to his family, church, and country. Billy Ray Kemper's legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of OKC.

If you are unable to attend, a recording of the service will be available on the church webpage Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of OKC. later on Monday afternoon following the service.