Billy Ray Cowgill passed away on Sept. 10, 2026 in Hermiston at the age of 75.
Billy Ray was born on Dec. 11, 1950 in Poplar Bluff, Mo. to Walter W. Cowgill and Wanda Fay Zumwalt.
Billy Ray would spend his first 7 years of life in Missouri. By 1957, his father’s work in the logging industry would move them out to Oregon, landing them in Spray. Throughout Billy Ray’s adult life, he would wander from place to place, never staying in one location too long. He spent several years living in Nevada and eventually found his way back to Oregon.
In his younger years, he worked as a horse trainer. Horses were one of his greatest passions in life. By the end of his working career, he would retire as a concrete finisher.
Billy Ray was someone who didn’t know a stranger, spending the last 20 years of his life in the Hermiston area. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.
He is survived by his two sisters, Willa Mae and Janice.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Wanda and sister, Jeannie.
Private services will be held.
Please share memories of Billy Ray with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
