Billy Ray Gossett, 85, a former resident of Weslaco, Texas, died on October 16, 2016. He is survived by his wife and dance partner of 66 years, Mary Cumbie Gossett, a brother, Thomas Wayne Gossett of Giddings, Texas; 2 sons, Billy Jr. of Houston, TX, Dr. Wayne Gossett of Warren, TX and a daughter, Donna E. Gossett of Harper, Texas.; 7 grandchildren (Danial, Robert, Trevor, Nicole, Taylor, Riley and William) and 5 great-grandchildren.

Billy Ray was born on November 4, 1930, the son of O. W. and Ruby Gossett of Henderson, Texas and graduated from Henderson High School in 1948. He was a Sergeant in the U.S. Army and served during the Korean conflict. After graduating from Stephen F. Austin with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in education, Billy Ray was an administrator for 30 years in the Weslaco Independent School District. Billy Ray spent his retirement RVing; mailing care packages to troops in Iraq and Afghanistan; and taking delight in routinely defeating his children and grandchildren at table tennis, dominos and cards.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Billy Ray’s name to support Alzheimer’s Research. Broussard’s Mortuary in Nederland, Texas is handling the arrangements.