Mr. Billy Ray Cathey

August 27, 1942 - March 7, 2022

Billy Ray Cathey, age 79, passed away Monday, March 7, 2022, in Bentonville, Arkansas. He was born August 27, 1942, to the late Cleatus Ray Cathey and Ruby Sunshine Strickland. Mr. Cathey was a teacher by profession, he obtained his master's degree in education from Henderson State University. He was an avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and loved nature. He was an active member of the masons Mt. Meadow Lodge in Hatfield, Arkansas. He was also a member of the Friends of Polk County Library; he was an active member of the First Baptist Church in Hatfield, Arkansas. He loved to support the Razorbacks and was a great storyteller. Mr. Cathey never met a stranger and loved spending time with his family and seeing his grandkids. Mr. Cathey is preceded in death by his parents, Cleatus Ray Cathey and Ruby Sunshine Strickland; his stepfather, George Strickland; by his loving wife of 49 years, Martha Mae Cathey; and by his brother, Jimmy Strickland. He is survived by his sons, Dr. Joseph Ray Cathey and wife Nancy, and Gregory George Cathey and wife Cassie; grandchildren, Natalie Cathey, Andrew Cathey, Addison Cathey, Ashlin Cathey, Avery Cathey, and Alex Cathey; brother, John Strickland; sisters, Georgie Thomas, and Mary Bandy; as well as several nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends. Services for Mr. Cathey will be held Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. at Hatfield First Baptist Church in Hatfield, Arkansas, with Brother Barry Godwin officiating, under the direction of Beasley-Wood Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Shady Cemetery in Shady, Arkansas. Visitation will be Friday, March 11, 2022, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Pallbearers are Matt Walston, Tim Walston, Andrew Cathey, Alex Cathey, Eddie Kesterson, and Kenny Miller. Honorary Pallbearers are Al Hadaway, and George Hamilton.