Billy Ray Nunnelee 1929 - 2017 Billy Ray Nunnelee passed away March 16, 2017 in Fort Worth, Texas. Billy was born December 30, 1929 to his parents Ocie Ray Nunelee and Willie Etta Wackerly-Nunelee in Fort Smith, Arkansas. We mourn the loss of our dearly departed but celebrate a powerful life lived. Billy's first and major career was as an Army Aviator. Billy first joined the military in in 1947. His skill on the tenor sax earned him an immediate assignment with the Army Military Band, where he also gained a reputation as an enthusiastic drum major. This gig ended with an honorable discharge after a couple of years because the pull of a higher education (and fun, football games, and a hog called a "Razorback") was too tempting. Following graduation from the University of Arkansas, Billy went back into the Army, this time with the goal of satisfying the call of the wild blue yonder, via a career as an Army Aviator. From then on, there was no stopping him. Dragging his growing family along, he served an extended tour of duty in Turkey flying missions for NATO along the Russian border. This was followed by 4 years in Germany before returning to the U.S. where his talents were needed at the ARADMAC unit in Corpus Christie, Texas. By this time Lt. Col. Billy Nunnelee had a reputation as an exceptional helicopter pilot who knew the difficult and temperamental flying machine inside out. Four subsequent tours in Vietnam resulted in numerous recognitions and honors, including: Army Commendation Medal in 1963, Air Medal for Combat Flying in 1967, Bronze Star in 1967 and Legion of Merit in 1971. His last posting was as the Army liaison between Bell Helicopter and the Army. Billy retired in 1971 and moved on to other interests. By far his greatest love was watercraft of every type and shape. He was happiest when exploring places like the Greek isles, commanding a crew of budding sailors who called themselves the Wild Bunch. Billy leaves behind his daughters, Deborah Lynn, Rebecca Louise, Leslye Anne and Melissa Gaines; his son, Mark Edward; his grandchildren, Ian Hubbard, Matthew Hubbard and Daniel Hubbard; his brother, Eddie Lee; his sister-in-law, Anne; several nieces and nephews along with many other loving family members and friends. Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Ocie Ray and Willie Etta Nunelee. The family has requested donations in lieu of flowers to Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org) and Humane Society of North Texas (www.hsnt.org) Graveside service to be held Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 1:00PM at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas 75211.