Billy Ray Cain

Billy Ray Cain, age 79, of Evansville, passed away Sunday, December 23, 2012 at his home after a long illness. Billy was born September 4, 1933 in Evansville to the late James and Carrie (Rager) Cain. He was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church, where he took great pride in cleaning and preparing the church for services for many years. He was an avid Reitz football fan and player in the 1950’s, who started the famous Cain legacy in Reitz football. His late brother Danny, nephew, Karl “Butch” Klusmeier and son, Randy were All-State football players for Reitz. Butch and Randy both played on undefeated State Championship teams. His late nephew Duke Gibson and nephew, Bobby Cain also were outstanding Reitz players. In 1983, Billy was the first inductee into the Evansville Softball Club Hall of Fame for his contributions to fast pitch softball in the 1950’s and 1960’s. Billy and his late brothers, Jackson and Danny were softball umpires and basketball officials for the city recreation leagues for several years. The family would like to thank one of Billy’s longtime childhood friends, Bob Jones and his nephew, Karl for their love, companionship and assistance throughout his illness. Billy was a United States Navy veteran and a truck driver for many years. In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by sisters, Evelyn Southard and Darlene Gibson and brothers, James, Jr., Jackson and Danny Cain. Surviving are his wife of 59 years, Mattie D. (Gaines) Cain; twin daughters, Yvette (Billy) Shutt of Owensboro, KY and Yvonne (Robert “Randy”) Gibson of Evansville; a son, Randy (Rose Mary) Cain of Evansville; granddaughter, Lindsay (Jeff) Beck of Evansville, grandson, Chad (Heather) Cain of Mt. Vernon ; sister, Beulah Burnette of Henderson and brother, Bobby Cain of Evansville. Funeral services will be held at 1:30 P.M. on Thursday, December 27, 2012 at Pierre Funeral Home, Rev. Mark Lowe officiating. Entombment will follow in Memorial Park Mausoleum. Friends may visit with the family from 10:30 A.M. until service time on Thursday at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to New Bethel Baptist Church or the Vanderburgh County Humane Society. Condolences may be made online at www.pierrefuneralhome.com.

Billy Ray Cain

September 4, 1933 - December 23, 2012