I, as many others, knew Billy Ray as a co-worker initially, but the relationship quickly turned into a personal friendship. He was so easy to get to know and to love as a fellow human being. Billy Ray cherished those around him and always made each and every person's lives a little bit better when you spent time with him. I will always remember the long discussions in his office at south base which usually would include a story or two.....Billy Ray could tell a story! There was always something new to learn. The Superbowl parties were always so great, Cathy and Billy Ray such gracious hosts that wanted nothing more than to please everyone that entered their home. I will miss those get-togethers.

Rest in peace my brother. I will see you again one day in heaven.

Billy Ray was a character and always surprise me with something new every time I saw him. Last year the one thing I never knew about Billy Ray was he knew how to decorate cake. That's one thing I'll always regret we were suppose to get together this year and decorate cakes. Which is something I'll do with him in spirit. He was a great guy and did make some impact on my life. Those who do know me already would say somehow Billy Ray and I could talk about random stuff and I really don't like talking to people but somehow I was always at ease with Billy Ray.

I didn't know Billy Ray well, but the few times I was around him, i found him to be a kind, intelligent person. As time passes and "life goes on" I pray you will continue to be comforted by the love of family and friends.

I liked Billy Ray from the first time I met him. He was working at BFTF and I was testing in the control room. He was friendly and I enjoyed his company. I was excited when he moved to NASA so I could work with him again. I pray that God provides his family and friends with an abundance of comfort and all the support needed at a time like this.

Rest in peace Billy Ray you will be missed by so many.

There is not much that can be said i enjoyed our visits at Ridley and at the VFW on Sunday I will miss you and my prayors are with Cathy during this difficult time!

Billy Ray was a great man to work with. He was kind, considerate and always looked out for his friends in COMM Center. We will miss him deeply. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of Billy Ray's family.

I am grateful for the time I got to spend with Billy Ray. He was both great to work with and just a fun person to be around. My family has been and will continue to pray for peace through this time especially for Billy Ray's family and for all of us who are mourning.

I can't think of a time that I didn't enjoy visiting Billy Ray- in or out of the office. An encounter with him was likely going to brighten my day. We even swapped our "Z" cars for a spell (I never showed him the dent ;) 
Sincerely, my thoughts and prayers go out to ALL his loved ones. Rest in peace, Billy Ray.

It was always a pleasure to work with Billy Ray over the years.  My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family.  Rest in peace, Billy Ray.

"I believe in God's master plan in lives. He moves people in and out of each others lives, and each leaves his mark on the other.. You eventually find you are made up of bits and pieces of all who have ever touched your life, and are more because of it, and would have been less if they had not touched you. Pray God that you will accept the bits and pieces in humility and wonder, and never question, never regret."

This excerpt was given to me by a friend of mine recently and I immediately thought of Cathy and Billy Ray.  Billy Ray made people better just by his light, humor, and compassion.  I am grateful for knowing him and I pray the family can find peace in the life he shared with us and lived daily. Godpseed, Billy Ray.

I worked with Billy Ray, long before I knew him. He was just a voice on the other end of the STU-III. I couldn't wait to meet him. He leaves a positive impact on all who knew him. He will always be remembered as wonderful co-worker but mostly as a friend. He always referred to me as his "brother from another mother". He always had something clever to say. I could always count on him to back me up. A good cigar and a cold beer. I miss you my Brother. My condolences to Cathy and the family.
Love you, Billy Ray
Byron "BB" Biscoe
Range ODO. Ret.

Billy Ray, you will be missed. I really got to know Billy Ray from the X-51 Project, we spent many hours in a GOV driving to Pt Mugu. I will always think of him when I watch the movie "Trading Places."

My thoughts and prayers go out to all the friends, family and co-workers that had the pleasure of knowing and working with Billy Ray.  It is a sad loss and he will be missed but we should be comforted knowing he has gone home and may he rest in peace.

I have known Billy Ray a very long time as a friend and co-worker. He always managed to turn challenging situations into positive/learning experiences. May God bless him and his family in this time of sorrow. I will miss him!

I never had to worry about range issues at Eddie Air Patch, because Billy Ray was always there to bail me out -- and make me laugh while he was helping. He was a good friend, and I will miss him.

Very sorry to hear about Billy Ray. He was a good friend and mentor to me at Edwards AFB. He will be greatly missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief.  May your memories bring you comfort.

So sorry to hear about Billy. We went to school together and we knew the family. Billy  will be missed. May he rest in peace, he is with his parents now.

We were friends growing up in Saunderstiwn and haven't seen you since 1972. So sorry to hear this RIP prayers going up for the family...

Bill ("P") as we called each other, was not only a friend, but he was by brother. This was a person who would do anything for his friends and family, and Lorna and I were part of his family. There are no words to express how deeply the lost of BIll will mean to me and my family. There will never be another Bill like him. My you finally rest in peace and be with "GOD", you will alwasy be in my heart and in my family thoughts.

Your Friend and Brother;

You will be missed deeply,

Merced, Lorna, Tina & Deanna Quintana

just learned today about Bill rest in peace my brother sympathys to the entire family.

Words are just so hard to find! To Joel and Kathy and all the family, your in my thoughts and prayers! RIP Billy! You'll be missed! So sorry! Love to all!!

Billy Ray was a good friend and a "Rock Trip" buddy.  He will be missed by many. RIP, my friend.

I only met Bill a couple times but like all the Rocha's it's like you knew them forever. A couple years ago a bunch of us sat down and polished off a awesome bottle of whiskey and smoked some good cigars. We were very fortunate that the women ordered us pizza and made us eat it. That day couldn't be any clearer in my head. Two of the gentleman are not with us anymore but are looking over us from above. May you rest in peace my friend.

Bill, I remember our friendship of long ago and what a great listener you were.  We got along well and you were so kind. I am glad that you were my friend.

You were the first rocha I met . You were an amazing friend and uncle to my daughter . I will miss you but always remember the time and the talks we had . Love you!!

May Our Father above place His healing hand on the family of Billy Ray.  Cathy, we can't even begin to think what you are going through; just remember we are here for you anytime.  Rest In Peace friend; you will be greatly missed!

Thanks for being the person & friend that I came to know, love, & appreciate.  Always a smile & an encouraging word. You are missed more than you know.

Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.

Uncle Bill, You were my Uncle, Best friend, and the go to guy when I need advice or just someone to talk to.  You were truly the greatest man I had the pleasure to be related to.  A day will not go by when I do not miss you.  Until the day we meet again, rest in my peace my brother.  Love you with all my heart....

I hope you have found peace.

Love and prayers to all my family.

Uncle Bill was my Uncle, Best Friend, Go to guy, and a person I called brother.  He was the greatest, kindest, loving man I had the pleasure to call my blood/family.  There wasn't a day that went by, when he didn't tell me how proud he was of his Police Detective nephew.  Uncle Bill I will miss you everyday that I remain on this earth, but one thing is true, we will be reunited one day.  Love and will never forget you.  Your nephew Detective Tim Hammond.  Woonsocket Police Department, Woonsocket RI....

Billy Ray was someone that made me a happier person after spending even the smallest amount of time with him.

Dear Cathy and the Rocha family — our hearts are heavy over the passing of "Billy Ray", but our hearts are also full because we were blessed to have a season of his life touch ours. May the Lord Jesus Christ comfort and console you during this time of grief and sorrow.

I will never forget you Billy Ray. Your friendship meant everything to me, not only at work but personally. My heart hurts deeply because your gone. I won't be able to tease you anymore during football season nor get a generous hug in the hallway. You are one of my special memories and my life was made so much richer because of you. I love you dear friend and will always keep you in my heart. May you rest in Jesus' arms until we're all together again.

OBITUARY

Billy Ray Rocha

February 4, 1955 – December 21, 2014

Joshua Mortuary & Joshua Memorial Park

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