Benge, Billy Ray

Billy Ray Benge, 75, of Longview, passed away on Sunday afternoon, March 18, 
2007, at a Longview hospital. Honoring his requests, cremation arrangements 
are under the direction of Rader Funeral Home of Longview.

Mr. Benge was born November 28, 1931, in Sicily Island, La., to Thomas Lee 
and Berti Mae Benge. Mr. Benge proudly served his country with the U.S. Air 
Force for 26 years, during which he served in the Korean War and Vietnam. 
After retirement from the armed forces, Mr. Benge, was the head of 
maintenance for the VA Hospital in Spokane, Wash.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Eileen Spovey Benge; brothers, 
Troy, James and Wilmer "Bud" Benge; and sister, Theda Cupit.

He is survived by his stepchildren, Nancy Tennant and Kim Carlson, both of 
Spokane, Wash.; brother and sister-in-law, Joe D. and Mary Benge of Longview; 
sisters, Lorelle Kupice of Marietta, Ga., Winnie "Sis" Tiffee of Monterey, La. 
and Mary Nell Higgins of Sicily Island, La.; as well as numerous nieces and 
nephews.

Private family services will be held at a later date.

A memorial guestbook may be signed at www.raderfh.com.

Published in the Longview News-Journal on 3/20/2007.