Billy Ray Lanthrip, Sr.

Mr. Billy Ray Lanthrip, Sr. age 77 of Sandersville passed away on Tuesday, August 17, 2021 following an extended illness. A graveside funeral service will be held on Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 11:00a.m. in Zeta Cemetery in Tennille. Reverend Bobby Williford and Billy Lanthrip, Jr. will officiate.

Mr. Lanthrip was born in Percy, Mississippi to the late Emitt Reginald Lanthrip and the late Mary Elizabeth Creel Lanthrip. He was a truck driver by trade, working for F & W Transportation. Billy is best described as “one of a kind,” and “a man’s man.” He loved fast cars, motorcycles, and riding dirt roads. He found pleasure in working outside and was truly a “jack of all trades.” Billy was a natural math whiz, and as well as a perfectionist in certain aspects of his life. He enjoyed having a good time and was a jokester at heart. Above all else he enjoyed spending time with his family. In addition to his parents, Billy is preceded in death by his brothers, Cleve Lanthrip and Lamar Lanthrip, and his mother-in-law, Jean Bridges.

Mr. Lanthrip is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Betty Jean Lanthrip; children Donna Lanthrip Josey and her husband Jody of Davisboro, Billy Lanthrip, Jr. and his wife Amy of Dublin, and Emmet Lanthrip and his wife Brittany of Sandersville; grandchildren, Justin Johnson, Daniel Johnson and his wife Jessica, Andrew Shipman, Billy Lanthrip, III, Christian Lanthrip, Jackson Lanthrip, Brayden Lanthrip, and Toby Hardy; great grandchildren, Everleigh Shipman, and Luke Johnson; father in law, Lowell Bridges; and many other family and friends.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, August 18, 2021, from 4:00p.m. to 6:00p.m. at May and Smith Funeral Home. Social distancing and the wearing of facial masks is strongly suggested.

May and Smith Funeral Directors in Sandersville is in charge of the arrangements.  Online condolences can be made to www.mayandsmithfuneraldirectors.com