It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our retired brother, Billy Ray Blue, who passed away on January 21, 2026. Brother Blue dedicated over two decades of his life to American Airlines, starting his career as a Guard in 1986 and later transitioning to an Overhaul Support Mechanic in 1995. He faithfully served our union and the company until his retirement in 2008.
Born in 1938, Billy lived a long and fulfilling life, and his legacy will be remembered by all who knew him. We ask that you keep the Blue family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time as they mourn the loss of their loved one.
Brother Blue’s commitment to our union and his contributions to American Airlines will never be forgotten. His dedication and hard work have paved the way for many of us, and we are grateful for the time he spent with us.
May Billy Ray Blue rest in peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all.
Obituary for Billy Ray Blue
Billy Ray Blue was born December 18, 1938, in Corsicana, Texas, to Millard Houston Blue and Nina Mae Standard Blue. He died Wednesday, January 21, 2026, in Owasso, Oklahoma, at the age of 87. Bill completed his secondary education in Corsicana and was a graduate of Corsicana High School. Shortly after completing the academy, he began his career as an Oklahoma State Trooper with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, serving with honor and pride. Bill was married on December 10, 1984, in Miami, Oklahoma, to Kathleen Gaskins. After retiring from the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, he went on to work at American Airlines in Tulsa and later retired from there. He attended A Healing Touch Ministry in Talala, Oklahoma. Bill enjoyed a variety of pastimes, especially spending time on the water fishing. He was also an avid Dallas Cowboys football fan. He dearly loved his family, who holds a lifetime of cherished memories, including:
His wife of over 41 years: Kathleen
Children: Daniel Blue, Dawna and husband Mark Driver, and Dianna and husband Chad Porter
Stepchildren: Steve and wife Mary Gaskins, and Stephanie Gaskins
Grandchildren: Chris McColley, Christine and husband Bryan Hulbert, Haley and husband James Banks, Shawna and husband Dustin Hines, Sheldon and wife Crystal Smith, Bobby and wife Sarah Smith, Kasandra and husband Moses Pila, Ashley Koopmans, Tucker Kallam, and Addison and husband Will Withers
Great-grandchildren: Scottlyn and Kenseth Sanders; Skylar and Piper Smith; Braylon, Bryton, and Meyah Smith; Myles and Holland Pinion; Anderson and Wesley “Boone” Withers; James and Avery Hulbert; Moses and Kaylani Pila
Brother: M.H. Blue
He was preceded in death by his parents, M.H. and Nina Blue; brothers, Cecil Blue and Aubrey Blue; sister, Shirley Arthur; stepson, Brian Gaskins; and first wife, Marion Blue.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday, February 2, 2026, at Mowery Funeral Service in Owasso. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at the Mowery Funeral Service Chapel in Owasso. Committal service and interment will follow at Ridgelawn Cemetery in Collinsville, Oklahoma.
Arrangements and services are entrusted to Mowery Funeral Service of Owasso.