Billy Ray Turley

November 25, 1943-November 8, 2016

   Billy was born and raised in Roswell, New Mexico. As a 12-year-old young man, Billy played on the winning 1956 Little League World Championship team from Roswell, New Mexico. After graduating from Roswell High School and serving a stint in the Army Reserves, Billy moved to Pasadena, California where he attended Pasadena Nazarene College. Remaining in Pasadena for the next several years he worked in several different fields. He was a Specifications Writer and Manager for CTS Electronics. Later he was selected to be the interim President of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce. During his term as president of the chamber he was responsible for scheduling and coordinating two Rose Bowl Parades, two football Rose Bowl games and an Army and Navy Rose Bowl game. Later, Billy moved to the San Diego area where he became Office Manager for Luth & Turley, Inc. and remained in this position until his illness forced his hospitalization. Billy was a strong supporter and member of the San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation. For 10 years, Billy was the concierge for the foundation’s annual fundraising event where he was responsible for performances of numerous famous guest groups such as The Coasters and the Drifters. For over 35 years, Billy was a member of E Clampus Vitas Platrix Chapter 2 and was appointed to be a member of the governing body “Grey Beards.”

   One of Billy’s greatest joys in life was to be a part of coordinating and scheduling what he called the “Gathering.” Each year, a large number of current and prior Roswellites reunite to reminisce and share their friendship at the gathering.

   Billy passed away peacefully on November 8, 2016 after a valiant battle against heart failure. He is survived by his daughters, Chantez Cross of Canyon Lake, California; Michelle Engel of Las Vegas Nevada; his beloved grandson, Dylan Kyle Engle of Las Vegas, Nevada and his brother, Cal Turley of La Mesa, California

   A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 18, 2016 at 4:00 PM at the El Cajon Mortuary, 684 S. Mollison Ave., El Cajon, CA 92020. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The San Diego County Law Enforcement Foundation by contacting the website SDCLEFF.com

   A “gathering” to celebrate Billy’s life will be held at South Park Cemetery in Roswell, New Mexico at 3PM on Saturday, December 3, 2016.