Billy Ray Trammell

Billy Ray Trammell (89) left for Heaven December 19, 2014. He was born March 15, 1925 in Levelland, Texas to Frank and May Trammell. He moved to Buckhorn, New Mexico as a child where he attended school through the 8th grade. Some of his fondest memories are here with his cousins, the closeness they shared and their shenanigans. He then moved to Silver City, New Mexico where he attended high school and in his senior year met and fell in love with his wife of 72 years, Marjorie E. Roberts. Two years after their marriage he joined the U.S. Navy. He served his country in the Pacific theatre during the war. After returning home, he went back to work for the Kennecott mines in Santa Rita, New Mexico as a brakeman on the trains. He also became a journeyman carpenter for the mine. In the summer of 1958 he moved his family to Prescott, Arizona putting his carpenter trade to use building and remodeling houses. In 1974 he started Trammell Construction with his son, later sold the company in 1994 and retired. But that was only the beginning. Bill never let the grass grow under his feet. He wore many hats throughout his life: brakeman, truck driver, carpenter, deacon, teacher, contractor, rancher and evangelist. The loves of his life were: his Lord and Savior, his family, ranching, music and dancing. He liked to laugh and joke; looked for the good in people and was always glad to see you. His love for people led him to be one of the original founding members of the Cowboys for Christ Chapter in Arizona. Bill was also active with Gideon’s International (since 1996), and a Chaplain at Yavapai County Jail for over 39 years. He will be missed by his family and by everyone whose life he touched. His love, leadership and Christian walk will always be remembered. Even though there is some sadness in his home going we rejoice in knowing he has received his eternal inheritance and is free from the bondage of an earthly body. Bill (Papa) is survived by his wife, Marjorie; son Troy (Barbara) Trammell; daughter Glenda (Bruce) Worrall; grandchildren, Senette (Darrell) Buntin, and Heather Duncan; his great granddaughter Aubrey Toler; sisters Erma Lee Minton, Jeanne Portnova, and Robbie Owens. Bill’s motto for life was God 1st, Family 2nd - God will supply the rest. You are invited to log onto ruffnerwakelin.com to sign Bill’s guest book and share a memory with the family.