Billy Ray "Jody" Conaway- beloved husband, trusted friend, and loving father and grandfather- courageously passed the test of mortal life and triumphantly entered the joy of eternity on July 9, 2011. Jody was born on June 21, 1928, in Tennessee Valley, Cottle County, Texas to James Houston and Velma Olyne Pelly Conaway. He grew up in Paducah, Texas, where he fell in love with a little neighbor girl with sparkling eyes, Shirley Ann Blount. After many years of separation, the childhood sweethearts found each other again, and Jody received the best birthday gift of his life when he and Shirley were married on June 21, 1983.For more than thirty years, Jody worked for Delta Drilling Company at the Ozona gas processing plant. Jody could fix anything- from the most complex piece of large machinery to the intricate workings of a fine watch- but his real specialty was in lifting and healing human hearts. Jody never met a stranger, and he and Shirley made lifelong friends in every place their adventures took them. Jody was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His union with Shirley was sealed for eternity in the Dallas LDS Temple. Jody was a Master Mason at Masonic Lodge #747 in Ozona, TX. Jody was preceded in death by his Wife, Shirley Ann Conaway; his Mother and Father; his daughter, Connie Copeland; and his older brother, James G. "Sonny" Conaway. He is survived by his children Bill Underwood and wife Denise Underwood; Jan Pinborough and husband Thomas Pinborough; Mary Kay Fryer and husband James Fryer; and Rosanne Gerrard and Husband Steven Gerrard; and son-in-law Michael Copeland and Gary. He is also survived by his grandchildren; Brooke, Buck, and Kate Underwood; Elizabeth and Christianna Pinborough; and Calvin and Hillary Marquardson."I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith." 2 Timothy 4:7The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at the funeral home. Funeral services will be held at 9:00 am, Thursday, July 14, 2011 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints/Gateway. Interment will follow at Resthaven Memorial Park in Midland.Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at: www.npwelch.com,