Services for the Rev. Billy Ray Billups, 63, will be held Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Baptist Church in Monroe, Louisiana.
Rev. Billups, a dedicated pastor, youth mentor, and beloved community servant, passed away on May 16, 2025. Known for his warm heart, magnetic personality, and lifelong devotion to ministry, he leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, service, and compassion.
Born in Monroe on March 7, 1962, to the late Ms. Lillie M. Heckard and Mr. David W. Martin. Billy Ray Billups accepted Christ at an early age at Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor E.D. Nation. As a child, he was active in Sunday School, BTU, and Vacation Bible School, forming a spiritual foundation that would shape the course of his life.
He graduated from Carroll High School in 1980 and went on to attend the University of Arkansas at Monticello, where he played football. He later studied theology at United Theological Seminary in Monroe. In November 1986, he was ordained into the ministry, and in 1991, he was elected Pastor of Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. His 12-year tenure as pastor was marked by a deep commitment to youth ministry. He established dynamic programs such as Royal Ambassadors, Girls in Action, Children’s Church, and a powerful outreach initiative, Fishers of Men.
Rev. Billups’ ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. After relocating to Texas in 2003, he founded Candlelight Church in Round Rock and later served as pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church from 2010 to 2015. At St. Stephens Baptist Church, he again devoted himself to youth development, strengthening ministries that had been dear to him for decades.
Though he eventually returned home to Monroe, his work never ceased. He became a direct service worker with Enrich Personal Care Services, offering compassionate care to clients in need. Later, as a transportation operator for Monroe City Schools, he became a mentor and father figure to the children on his route. Known for offering warm coats during the winter and meals to the hungry, Rev. Billups continued to live his ministry in everyday acts of kindness.
His impact reached deep into the Booker T community and far beyond, touching lives wherever he went. Whether behind a pulpit or behind the wheel of a school bus, Rev. Billups carried the light of Christ with him.
Billy’s memories will be cherished by: His four children – Billy Driver (Meka) and Jonathan Billups (both of Monroe, LA), Tanya Williams (McKinney, TX), and Kwesi Billups (West Monroe, LA); Eleven siblings: Oliver W. Billups, Jr. (Ruby), Monroe, LA; Jackie Broadway- Duren (Ralph), Missouri City, TX; Lorraine Bolden (Conyers, GA) and Karen Mattison (Johnny) (College Park, GA); His twin – Edith Faye Parsons (Gerald), Irma Billups, and Elaine Staten, all of Monroe, LA. Shirley Billups-Bell (Rochester, NY); Arnita Billups-Jones (Curtis), Hurst, TX, Cynthia Ferrand (San Diego, CA), Lajune Battist (Renee) (Houston, TX) and one brother (Cornelius Billups) who preceded him in death; 5 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Rev. Billy Ray Billups will be remembered not only for what he preached but for how he lived—with open arms, a servant’s heart, and a smile for everyone he met.
