Obituary: Billy Ray McLaurin, 71, of Branford

Information via W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home

Billy Ray McLaurin of Branford died on Wednesday October 4, 2017. He was the husband of Elizabeth “Betsy” McLaurin of Branford. He was the father of Meghan Bellaria (husband Jayson) of Clinton and the brother of Brenda Foltz of Greys Creek, N.C. He was also survived by several nieces and nephews and many friends. Billy Ray was born in Fayetteville, N.C. on December 7, 1945, a son of Avery and Sarah Wrench McLaurin. He retired from CT Transit as a mechanic and later owned Atlantic Auto Sales in East Haven.

Billy Ray was a proud veteran of the United States Army, serving 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He was awarded the Vietnam Service Medal, the Bronze Star, and was a Purple Heart Recipient. Billy Ray was a loving, gentle, kind man who enjoyed the beach, boating, fishing and estate sales. Most of all he loved his family and friends.

A memorial visitation will be held on Tuesday from 5-7 P.M. at the W.S. Clancy Memorial Funeral Home, 244 North Main St. Branford with services being held at 7:00 P.M. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 5 Brookside Drive, Wallingford, CT 06492. Please see his online memorial @ www.wsclancy.com. To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Billy McLaurin, please visit our Tribute Store.