Billy Ray Peterson, 70, of Dennison passed away peacefully on April 6th, 2023, at home surrounded by his two- and four-legged loved ones, his courageous and hard-fought battle with cancer is over.
Born in Dennison on March 4, 1953, he was a son of Fronie (Lowery) Peterson who survives him and the late Willie D. Peterson. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Willie Charles, and sisters, Willie Pearl and Brenda Grant.
He was a graduate of Claymont High School with the class of 1971, well known for his successful track and football career. Bill attended college in Colorado and at OSU studying environmental science. He worked in the environmental field in Columbus and moved back to Dennison to raise his young son. He took a job at Timken in New Philadelphia and retired from there.
Bill enjoyed gardening and experimenting with new techniques to get the best organic vegetables and fruit possible. He enjoyed hiking, going to the lake, and all forms of nature. He loved music, going to concerts and to The Fur Peace Ranch. Bill enjoyed cooking and loved to feed family and friends. He liked spending time with his two-legged family and friends and his four-legged fur babies, Griffey, Charlie Jo and Oscar, who remained faithfully at his bedside until the end.
In addition to his loving wife, Mary Jo, he leaves his mother, Fronie and his children; Billy Ray Peterson Jr. of Columbus and bonus son Shawn McMillan and wife Rasheedah Crawley, also of Columbus and his grand dog, Caddy. Bill leaves niece, Shara Watson, along with several other nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles and many cousins. He also leaves his best friend, Todd, and many other friendships he has maintained since childhood. Bill never met a stranger and was always open to meeting new and interesting people.
Bill has generously donated his remains to Cleveland Clinic in hopes of helping others. According to his wishes his cremains will be returned, and a celebration of life will be held at a later date.
R.K. Lindsey Funeral Home, Inc.
740.922.1970
www.lindseyfh.com
Memorial contributions can be made to:
Community Hospice:
716 Commercial Avenue SW,
New Philadelphia OH 44663
www.myhospice.org
They provided compassionate support and resources to Billy and MaryJo the last month of his life.
Or to
The Tuscarawas County Humane Society:
1432 CR-88
New Philadelphia, OH 44663
Because Billy loved animals and often rescued them.
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