Billie Ray Caldwell

CASA GRANDE - Billie Ray Caldwell, 81, of Casa Grande died at home on Jan. 21, 2016.

The celebration of life will be at 1 p.m. Monday in National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona, in Phoenix.

Mr. Caldwell was born on March 2, 1934, in Waurika, Oklahoma, and was a son of Albert and Ethel Caldwell. He served 36 years in the Navy and Army, including during the Korean War and Operation Desert Storm. He later worked in law enforcement for the city of Casa Grande and Pinal County.

He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Casa Grande. He enjoyed watching westerns, taking drives with his wife, fishing and going to the dog track, but above all, his country and his family, especially his grandchildren, meant everything to him.

Survivors include two daughters, Karen M. Armstrong of Casa Grande and Alayne Caldwell of Chandler; four sons, Jeffery Caldwell of Henderson, Nevada, Tommy Caldwell of California, William Caldwell of Florence and Bill Caldwell of Arizona; two stepdaughters, Vickie Caldwell of California and Beth Peterson of Tucson; a stepson, Dale Caldwell of Tucson; a brother, Floyd Caldwell of California; 15 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel A.; two sons, Dennis and Danny Caldwell; and a brother, Lloyd Caldwell.

J. Warren Funeral Services, Cole & Maud The Gardens Chapel is in charge of arrangements.