Billy Ray VanLeer

A memorial service for Billy Ray VanLeer will be announced at a later time.

Billy Ray VanLeer was born July 22, 1952 in Boise City, OK to the home of Ina Lou (Enlow) and Ray Dacy VanLeer, and passed from this life in Portales, NM on June 21, 2025 at the age of 72 years, 10 months and 29 days.

Mr. VanLeer’s family moved to Clayton, NM when he was very young, and then relocated to Muleshoe, TX when he was about ten years old.  When he left school, he began working in the oil fields.  Since the early 2000’s he has worked with his son in his cattle operation.

Mr. VanLeer was married to Ada Nelms on April 10, 2023 at the Prince Street Baptist Church in Clovis.   He was a huge fan of Dale Earnhardt and NASCAR racing.  Watching wrestling matches and western movies were some of his indoor occupations, but he loved to be outdoors riding motorcycles or going fishing at Oasis State Park.  Mr. VanLeer was a loving father and grandfather.  He had a gentle and caring way, and loved taking care of others.

He is survived by his wife, Ada of their home; his son Billy Odell VanLeer of Muleshoe, TX; two daughters, Rebecca Kay VanLeer-Bueno of Clovis and Misty Shaw of Clarksville, TN; seven grandchildren, Brianne Shaw, Dacota VanLeer, Dalton VanLeer, Dacie VanLeer, Ray John Horton, Joshua VanLeer and Derke Barnwell; three great-grandchildren, Aubrey VanLeer, Odin VanLeer and Nathaniel Gilliland; two brothers, Larry VanLeer of Amarillo, TX and Ronnie Ingram of Riverside, CA and a sister, Shirley Garcia.  He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Mickey Enlow and a sister, Cindy VanLeer.

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