Billy Ray Sumpter was born September 12, 1940, in Cross County Arkansas to Narvel Wesley “N. W.” Sumpter and Virgie (Riley) Sumpter. Billy Ray spent countless days with his grandpa Boone Sumpter in the fields riding the mule. He attended rural school and was raised in part with his Aunt Joyce who is just a few days younger and Aunt Beatrice, children of his Grandpa Boone and Grandma Mayme. Growing up he helped beside his mother in picking peaches and cotton. He graduated Wynne High School in 1958, Wynne, Arkansas and shortly after that moved to Rapid City, SD to live with his father N. W. and step-mother Beatrice Sumpter. He worked construction for his Dad and partner, Muckler and Sumpter Construction, driving truck and running heavy equipment.

It was during this time he met his future wife while drag racing in downtown Rapid. A hot car was his downfall. He and Marsha (Fairchild) Sumpter were married February 6, 1961 when they eloped to Sturgis and were married by a Justice of the Peace. Two daughters were born to this union, Shelley and Sandra.

Because construction is quite seasonal he held other jobs over the course of time. He worked for Mayflower Movers, a bartender, and at a full service Texaco Station. He had a natural mechanical ability and with the help of Milo Rypkema, Dodge Town, he attended a mechanical school in Sioux Fall for nine months, graduating at the top of his class in 1966. He began work at Frontier Ford in Rapid and worked there until he moved with the family to the farm and ranch owned by his in-laws, Wayne and Ruth Fairchild, Fairchild Enterprises, in 1975, arriving in time for a major snow storm in January of that year. He survived that introduction to ranching, helping calve, then there were sheep to lamb and 29 years later he loved the country he married into. He was the life blood of the farm, keeping all the equipment in good running condition and performed every other job associated with a working farm and ranch.

He enjoyed bowling and bowled his first and the first 300 game at Rock n Roll Lanes in Philip December 28, 2008. He loved farming and worked for friends after moving to Kadoka.

Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Marsha; daughter, Shelley Seager (Mike Rath); four grandchildren Eric Seager (Chaciel); Zack Seager; Amanda (May) Claflin (Adam); Chase May (Carly); ten great-grandchildren; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by a daughter, Sandra Raye (Sumpter) May; his parents; and an infant sister, his brother-in-law Bruce Fairchild, nephew Brian Fairchild, niece Debra Moran and cousin John Fairchild.

Visitation will be held 4-6 p.m. on Friday, December 29, at the United Church in Philip, with a prayer service at 6:00 p.m.

Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, December 30, at the United Church, with Pastor Kathy Chesney officiating.

Interment will be at the Masonic Cemetery in Philip.

Cards and memorials may be sent to 820 SD Hwy 248, Kadoka, SD 57543.