Billy Ray Gipson aka "Zulu" was born on March 26th 1975 in Port Antonio, Jamaica to the parents Larry Gipson and Sheila Mulane. Billy moved to the United States with his father after his mother's passing where he graduated High School at Kilgore High and went on to attend Texas A&M University. There he received his degree in Psychology and met the love of his life Diana. Billy and Dianne were married June 7th 1986.

Billy was an active member of his Masonic Lodge (Tyler Lodge #1233) church and community where he was a mentor and little league coach for his favorite sport of Soccer. On weekends you could always find him in his recliner, Red Stripe Beer in hand, watching soccer games from around the world cheering as loud as he could. Billy also loved to go fishing with his brother, Quentin aka Demond, anytime they could. Billy would often tell the story of how he saved his brother's life while out fishing back home in Jamaica. Billy adored his siblings and would always brag about how they looked after him even though he was the oldest.

Billy and his wife Dianne were always helping out in the community and could be seen handing out meals and clothing to the homeless every holiday season. Their contributions to the city help restore the youth center after it was destroyed by storms in 1994. Billy was an active participant in all youth leadership events up until his passing.

Billy passed away on August 9th, 2020 having lived a great and memorable life.

Billy is survived by his lovely wife of 34 years Dianne (Kilgore, TX), 2 children, Darren Gipson (33) and Sharon Gipson-Ross (30) both of Dallas, TX. Siblings, Quentin Gipson (Dallas), Qianna Starks (Tyler) and a host and nieces, nephews, cousins and many other loved ones.

Services will be held Saturday August 15th at Mt. Pleasant C.M.E. Church in Kilgore, TX at 2p. Burial site TBA.