Billy Mann

Billy Ray Mann, 77, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 24, 2026, surrounded by his immediate family who loved him dearly.

Billy was born on January 5, 1949, in Dallas, Texas. He was the first child of Roena Josephine Best of Admire, Kansas, later known as Roena J. Moore. For a time, he lived with his grandmother, Verna Eliza Shasteen Best, who married James Garfield Best, whose family came over from Ireland. He met his future wife, Barbara Gardner, before enlisting and serving in the United States Navy in October 1967.

During his service to his country, he served on the USS Sumner County LST 1148, Tank Landing Ship, with his final duty assignment on the USS Union (LKA-106), both during the Vietnam War. For his exemplary service to his country, he earned the prestigious National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal with one Bronze Star.

After his military service was completed, he returned home and got back in contact with Barbara. The two were happily married on New Years Eve in 1974. Billy worked hard at General Motors Co. to provide for his family, retiring after 30 years. He earned his pilot’s license and enjoyed his time in the sky during his younger days. Another love of his was either riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle or driving a Cadillac around town. When not in the sky or on the road, he could be found cheering on his hometown team, the Dallas Cowboys.

He is now at rest with his father, his stepfather and mother, Wilson and Roena Moore, and his wife of 40 years, Barbara S. Mann. Billy was also preceded in death by his nephew, Cliffford Frye Jr.

SURVIVORS: Billy leaves behind to cherish his memory his son, Timothy Mann and wife Vickie; daughters, Mandy Blanford and husband Michael, LeAnn Moreno, and Chelseau Sustaita and husband Isaac; his grandchildren, Hunter Mann, Vittoria Quintana, Gabriela Recinos and husband Armando, Laith Faulks, Keilana Duvall and husband Chris, Abraham Moreno, Asa and Ava Nevels, and Zephyrus Sustaita; his great-grandchildren, Aviana, Emalene, and Raphael Recinos; and his brother, Elbert Moore and wife Melba, and sister, Patricia Frye and husband Clifford. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and many friends.

Funeral Service will be at 1:00 pm in the Shannon Rufe Snow Drive Funeral Chapel, 6001 Rufe Snow Dr, Fort Worth, TX 76148, with burial at Fort Worth National Cemetery at a later date.