Locklin

Billy Ray Locklin, 83, of Rockdale passed away the afternoon of Friday, Nov. 8, 2019, while in the Seton Medical Center in Round Rock.

Services are scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16, at Springfield Missionary Baptist Church in Rockdale, with Dr. Dennis L. Brooks Sr. officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery in Rockdale.

Visitation will be 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15, at Phillips & Luckey Funeral Home in Rockdale.

He was preceded in death by his parents, J.V. and Clara (Jackson) Locklin; siblings Ola Mae West, Mabel Upickson, Revy Jackson, Velma Mitchell, Lester Locklin, O.J. Locklin, Harvey Locklin, Arthur Ray Locklin; his wife Laura (Smith) Locklin and grandson Raylyn Julius Whiteside. He was a member and Deacon of Springfield Baptist Church for 65 years, a professional football player for 10 years and an Alcoa employee for 35 years.

Billy Ray led many of us to believe “where there is a will, there is a way.” He loved to tell the story of his journey as a football player.

He was a first-round draft pick as a defensive end for the Los Angeles Chargers. He continued his career with the Oakland Raiders in 1960. In 1961-1964 he played with the Montreal Alouettes. From 1965-1970, he played with the Hamilton Tiger Cats and won two Grey Cups in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was a CFL All-Star three times (1965, 1966, and 1968) and CFL East All-Star five times.

His three sons, Ray (Las Cruces, New Mexico), Kerry (Las Cruces, New Mexico/Toronto, Ontario), and Kim (Fresno, California) followed in his footsteps to New Mexico State University and went on to play professional football as well.

He currently has two grandsons who were granted football scholarships to further their education. Tymon Locklin at New Mexico State University and Torry Locklin at University of Kansas.

Billy Ray also leaves his daughter, Lynn Whiteside (A.J.), Rockdale; granddaughters Dr. Candace Canady (Dr. Alton), Houston, Jaycinee Foster, Salt Lake City, Utah, Emma Locklin, Colchester, Vermont, and Tishelle Locklin, Fresno, California; also, a host of nieces and nephew who loved and admired him as a father figure.