William “Billy” Ray Bruton, age 68, of Marion, Indiana, passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.
Born on June 23, 1958, in Marion, Indiana, he was the beloved son of Betty Ann (Weaver) and the late, Charles L. Bruton, Sr. Billy was known for his kindness, sense of humor, generosity, faith, and love for his family. He also had a well-known love for Corvettes which he happened to own three of them in his life; he would let anyone he knew drive them and would want them to “push it”.
Billy graduated from Marion High School in 1976 and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He earned his traveling journeyman certification and Welding/Pipefitting certificate through UAW Local 166. He retired in December 2025 from his career as a Welder Pipefitter with UAW Local 166. He was a member of House of Worship for All People and also frequently attended The River Church. Above all, Billy cherished time spent with his family and friends and leaves behind many wonderful memories.
Billy is survived by his mother, Betty Ann Bruton; son, James Whitley; daughter, Maxie Rae Bruton; grandchildren, Kamaria Bruton, KashMonae’ Bruton, Jamiah Whitley, Gianni Whitley, and Ramya Jordan; and great-grandchildren, Divinity Rose Whitley and Jojo Whitley.
He is also survived by his siblings, Cynthia (Micheal) Jones, Monty (Shirley) Bruton, Denise (Rick) Stewart, Keith Bruton, Milton (Dawn) Bruton, Angela Horton, and special brother Lawrence Weaver; uncle, Walter (Shirley) Weaver; aunts, Mary Jo Barbour, Norma (Charles) Bowlds, Flora Jean Busby, Darlene (Dwight) Evans, Mary Alice (Pat)Busby-Smith, and Brenda Bruton; uncles, Arthur Busby, Clarence Bruton; and his fiancée, Patricia Johnson; special friend, Valerie Bruton; and a host of nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles L. Bruton Sr.; sisters, Teresa and Teressa Bruton; grandparents, Donald and Marguerite Weaver, Harvey and Margaret Bruton, and Minnie Burnett; uncles, Robert, Donald, Michael Weaver, and Willie Busby; and aunts, Adiredra Wise and Shirley Weaver.
The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Greater Second Baptist Church, 705 W. 26th St., Marion, IN.
Immediately following the time of visitation, a service to celebrate William’s life will begin at 1:00 p.m. with Elder Damion Jackson officiating. Burial will take place at Grant Memorial Park.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Needham-Storey-Wampner Funeral & Cremation Service, North Chapel 1341 N. Baldwin Ave., Marion, IN.
Memories may be shared online at www.nswcares.com.
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