Billy Royce Gay

Billy Royce Gay, husband to Linda, dad to Terri, friend and pastor to many graduated to Heaven on April 7, 2026 at home.

Bill was born March 30, 1944 to Mona and W.C. (Dub) Gay in Meridian, Texas. He was Marlboro man handsome, quick witted, charming and had a mega-watt smile that would light up a room.

Billy grew up in Azle, Texas, spending summers in Walnut Springs with grandparents CT and Ruby Hilliard, sister Linda, and various Hilliard relatives. He played football for Azle High School for a winning team under Coach Hood.

Bill graduated in 1962 and married the love of his life, Linda Christophe April 20, 1963. They had one daughter, Terri in 1965. Over the early years Bill worked as a routeman for Frito Lay, a supervisor at Coors, and a routeman at Life Support Oxygen where he developed a love for homebound patients.

In his free time, Bill was a long-time bass fisherman and member of the Tri County Bass Club, fishing tournaments throughout the state of Texas for many years. Billy and his fishing buddies, who shall remain nameless (you know who you are), were known to fish year-round and in every kind of inclement weather - wind, rain, sleet, or snow. The fishing tales are endless, and have reached legend status. Although all characters managed to survive, many fish, several boats and fishing gear did not.

It took the countless prayers of Billy's loving daughter Terri, wife Linda and God's intervention to move Billy from fishing to faith. It was a move that changed lives and eternity for many. Billy left his boat behind when God not only saved his soul but called him to ministry. With Linda at his side, Billy served as pastor at Solid Rock Bible Church for 10 years until his recent illness. He preached, counseled, taught and loved his church family. He prayed, saved, baptized, and comforted without ceasing. This transformation from fishing for fun to fishing for souls is the true legend of Billy R. Gay. To God be the glory.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents W.C. and Mona Gay, his sister Linda Farris, In-laws Frank and Anna Christophe, brother-in-law Buddy McAnally, and sister-in-law Racheal Christophe.

Billy is survived by his beloved wife Linda of 62 years, 11 months, 1 week, & 6 days, loving daughter Terri Fisher, son-in-law Evan Fisher, Grandchildren Cole and Elle Fisher, sister-in-law Sharlet McAnally, brother-in-law Jimmy Christophe and his wife Pat, as well as nieces, nephews, great nephews, and a loving church family.