Billy Ray Moffett

Billy Ray Moffett, age 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family the morning of January 28, 2022.  Bill was born in Vincennes, IN on October 22, 1943 to William Lee and Pauline Murray Moffett as the second of four children (Patty, Jay, and Jack). He was raised in Bridgeport, IL where he graduated from high school after excelling in sports (basketball, baseball, and track) and had a high academic reputation. 

After graduation he spent a year at the United States Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs, CO and another year at Mississippi State University in Starkville, MS where he received a basketball scholarship. He subsequently received a 1963 congressional appointment to the United States Naval Academy from Illinois Congressman George Shipley and graduated in 1967.  At the Naval Academy he played “Plebe” basketball, earned his “jump wings” at Fort Benning-Georgia, and achieved an excellent academic ranking of top 50% of graduating classmates during his tenure.  

Upon graduation, he was an “eligible bachelor” for one day, until he married Connie Mack Anderson from Charlotte, NC in St. Andrew’s Chapel on the Naval Academy grounds.  During his 25-year marriage, he had two sons, William Lee II and Matthew Wayne. 

After resigning his commission as a lieutenant in 1971, he entered the civilian business world and worked as project, maintenance, engineering, and facility managers for the next 37 years.  His most memorable times were spent at Chicopee Manufacturing and Liberty Mutual in Gainesville, GA where he retired from both companies with 15 years of service with each organization.  During this time, he served 20+ years on the Board of Directors as Treasurer for the Lanier Federal Credit Union in Oakwood, GA. He also worked with Gainesville and Hall County youth as a coach, a mentor, and tutor.  His impact both professionally and personally impacted a generation of people in the Gainesville / Hall County Community.

After retirement Bill sought to enjoy the finer things in life that he’d neglected since going into the workforce. While constantly spending times outdoors hunting, fishing, traveling, and riding motorcycles, he did do some more adventuresome activities such as earning his PADI certification as a scuba diver, obtaining his “private pilot” aircraft license from Flight Safety in Lakeland, FL, and spending time in Wyoming with his brother Jack hunting elk in the backwoods of the Rocky Mountains. He was the Chief Mechanic on a “Muzzy Prepared” 1995 ZX-7 Kawasaki Supersport / Superbike motorcycle during his son’s road racing career where they achieved significant success in the WERA/CCS southeastern circuit with multiple regional titles.  Most importantly, he treasured the time they spent together bonding as father and son both on and off the racetrack. 

He often reflected that his greatest achievements were seen through the success and achievements of others. He found comfort in seeing his family achieve success both professionally and by living lives of principled and Godly efforts.  He reveled in seeing his grandsons, Walker and John Bishop (JB), both achieving success in academics, sports and most recently in their becoming Eagle Scouts, but more importantly he wanted them to learn to grow up and be leaders and productive young men in society.  His love for his family was unquestionable and he made sure that those in need…whether family or friend…were always taken care of.  His determination to do the right thing without regard to getting acknowledged for it is something that will be his legacy.  He will be greatly missed.

The family will receive friends on Monday January 31, from 6-8 p.m. at Little & Davenport Funeral Home.  Graveside Services will be Tuesday February 1, 2022, at 10:30 a.m. at Alta Vista Cemetery with Rev. Joe Payton officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that memorial contributions be made to the Boy Scouts of America Troop 26 in Gainesville, GA located at First Baptist Church of Gainesville 751 Green St NW, Gainesville, GA 30501 or call (770) 534-7354.

Those wishing to send online condolences to the family may do so at littledavenport.com

Little & Davenport Funeral Home and Crematory, 355 Dawsonville Highway, SW, Gainesville, Ga. 30501 is in charge of arrangements.