Billy Grinstead

William Ray (Billy) Grinstead of Perry passed away peacefully at home on Mar 7, 2026 surrounded by his loved ones. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Perry and a former usher, deacon, and assistant Sunday School Director of Ocilla Baptist Church.

Billy learned the value of hard work and how to be a successful salesman as a young boy when he and his brother Tommy sold boiled peanuts in downtown Hawkinsville. He used his sales talents and became the proprietor of Billy's Men Shop in Hawkinsville, Ga. Later he became an insurance salesman, starting out going door to door selling weekly premium policies. Billy's hard work, determination to succeed, and strong work ethics allowed him to excel in his insurance career. He was highly respected by his peers and retired as a Senior Vice President at the home office with Liberty National Insurance Company of Birmingham, AL.

Billy had a great love of sports and the competitive spirit to go with it. He was always humbled and blessed to have been a quarterback for the Hawkinsville Red Devils, especially when they won the State Championship in 1959. He cherished the memory of seeing his dad being lifted up on shoulders and carried off the field after the win. He went on to coach little league football. As those young boys became men with children of their own, he enjoyed them sharing how much they appreciated him and remembered what he taught them. Billy eventually took up the game of golf and had seven holes in one. Billy served his country honorably in the Army National Guard of Georgia from 1964 to 1970.

He was predeceased by his parents William (Jake) and Nell Tucker Grinstead; his grandmother who raised him, Hattie Lee Grinstead; his daughter, Tara Grinstead, and his brother, Tommy Grinstead.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Connie Ricks Grinstead; his daughter, Keith Michelle Grinstead Rodriguez (Tony); a special niece, Tammie Ricks Walden (Bo) and family; a special nephew, Todd Ricks (Dale) and family; brother-in-law, Ronnie Ricks; sister-in-law, Derrie Grinstead and family; nephew, Jeff Grinstead (Robyn) and family; other family members who also adored him, and a faithful Yorkie named Kadie .

Our family wishes to express our gratitude to Enhabit Hospice and other caregivers Nikki, Kelly, and Joe. Visitation will be held at Clark Funeral Home in Hawkinsville, GA on Wed, Mar 11th from 2:00 to 3:00 PM with service immediately following. Interment will be at Bowers Cemetery. Flowers and/or memorial contributions to your favorite charity in Billy's memory are equally welcome.

Clark Funeral Home of Hawkinsville, Georgia is in charge of the arrangements.

Please sign the online register at www.clarkfuneralhawkinsville.com.