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Billy Ray Bradshaw, resident of Timberon, New Mexico, passed peacefully Tuesday, June 24, 2025. His wish to be at home with his beloved dog, Samantha was granted. He was 66 years old.
Billy was born February 18, 1959 in Ozark, Arkansas to Billy Hugh Bradshaw and Cecil June (Wilson) Bradshaw.
Survivors include his son; Daniel Lee Bradshaw, (Texas), Baron Aldrich Bradshaw (Oklahoma), and Billy Hugh Bradshaw II (Missouri), two daughters; Amber Nicole Bradshaw (Texas), and Amberly Betz-Bradshaw (Tennessee). Four sisters; Portia Ann Davis, Carolyn Renae Bishop, Emily-Wilson-Roberts, (all of Arkansas), and Janie Diane Knappenberger (California). He had 5 biological children, 2 adopted, 17 grand-children, and 4 great-grandchildren.
Billy was preceded in death by his father, Billy Hugh Bradshaw; mother Cecil June; brother, Paul William Crouch; and sister, Shelia Kay Randolph.
Billy enlisted in the Army: Infantry very young. His military training included: qualified Airbourne/Ranger, was a rifle and grenade expert, a counter-sniper (#2 in class), jungle expert, and promoted to Sargent. He spent a year in Korea (DMZ) and Germany in 1977. His service included Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Honduras, El Salvador, and Granada. He had two overseas tours, one in Thailand and his last in Panama/Canal Zone-doing intelligence gathering. (This information has since been de-classified). Billy’s most traumatic assignment was the 1978, with cleanup of 900 people who willingly died of cyanide poisoning at Jonestown, Guyana. He did receive PTSD treatments through the Veterans Administration.
Billy valued family, was a great father, loving son, amazing brother and loyal friend. He was willing to give his heart, and loved his babies. He was likened to a grizzly bear by size, but had a teddy-bear heart. Billy taught himself to play the guitar, loved playing golf, and spent many hours in his community helping his “brother” Gary repair their local golf course. He participated with many community events, helped to look after his fellow veteran neighbors in times of need and loved the community of friends he made in Timberon. Special acknowledgement to Peggy and Gary Tedford for supporting, feeding, caring and getting him to medical appointments, through the VA, as his health was failing. They are very loving, special people. Recently, they have Samantha, his comfort dog and have welcomed her into their home. The family wishes to extend our sincere appreciation to them. Bill was at peace in the mountains of Timberon, made peace with his maker and that was where he wished to be laid to rest.
The family intends to host a celebration of Billy’s life. Date yet to be set. Family and friends will be notified.
