Mr. Billy Ray Lanthrip, Sr., age 77, of Sandersville passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021, following an extended illness. A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. in the Zeta Cemetery in Tennille. Reverend Bobby Williford and Billy Lanthrip, Jr. will officiate.
Mr. Lanthrip was born in Percy, Mississippi to the late Emitt Reginald Lanthrip and the late Mary Elizabeth Creel Lanthrip. He was a truck driver by trade, working for F & W Transportation. Billy was described by friends as, “one of a kind,” and, “a man’s man.” He loved fast cars, motorcycles, and riding dirt roads. Billy found pleasure in working outside. He was truly a “jack of all trades.” Billy was a noted natural “math whiz” and called a “perfectionist” in certain aspects of life. He enjoyed having a good time, a “jokester” at heart. Above all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Billy is preceded in death by his brothers, Cleve Lanthrip and Lamar Lanthrip; and his mother-in-law, Jean Bridges.
Mr. Lanthrip is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Jean Lanthrip; children, Donna Lanthrip Josey and her husband Jody of Davisboro, Billy Lanthrip, Jr. and his wife Amy of East Dublin, and Emmet Lanthrip and his wife Brittany of Sandersville; grandchildren, Justin Johnson, Daniel Johnson and his wife Jessica, Andrew Shipman, Billy Lanthrip, III, Christian Lanthrip, Jackson Lanthrip, Brayden Lanthrip, and Toby Hardy; great-grandchildren, Everleigh Shipman and Luke Johnson; father-in-law, Lowell Bridges; and many relatives and friends.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 4:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. at May and Smith Funeral Home. The practicing of social distancing and the wearing of face masks is strongly suggested.
Online condolences may be expressed at mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com.
May and Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville is in charge of the arrangements.