Mr. Billy Ray Brister

Billy Ray Brister, of Gulf Shores, AL passed away very peacefully on October 16, 2020. His death is due to complications related to Alzheimer’s disease. Billy Ray Brister was born in Sikes, LA to Vaudie Mae Simmons and John W. Brister Sr. He grew up with brothers John Brister Jr., Carl Ben Brister, Glen Brister and sister Violet Richardson. As a youth, he loved spending his time fishing and kicking around the Louisiana countryside until the sun went down. After graduating from Winnfield High School, Billy enlisted in the Army 1958-1961 serving as a personnel specialist. After being honorably discharged, he began working in the insurance field. His career spanned various aspects of business from sales, business owner to stockbroker. His passions were fishing, dogs, laughing, gardening, Jimmy Buffet, ice cream and LSU. He was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and generosity. Bill met the love of his life Myriam Diaz in Ventress, LA and they were married on October 11, 1999. Being a kind, loving and faithful provider was of utmost importance to Bill and he wholeheartedly loved his family. Bill has four children Brenda Tsavatewa of Macon, GA, Stephen Brister (deceased), Jon Brister (deceased) and Andres Santas of Gulf Shores, AL. Bill had three stepchildren from an earlier marriage Brian Luckie, Dianne Guiffre and Sandra Luckie. His wife Myriam has three sons Jose Sabogal married to Adrianna Sabogal, Juan Carlos Sabogal married to Cindy Sabogal and Andres Santa. Together, Bill and Myriam are blessed with wonderful grandchildren Christopher Tsavatewa, Joshua Tsavatewa, Brianne Tsavatewa (deceased), Tyler Lester, Camilla Sabogal, Sarah Sabogal, Anna Sabogal, Mia Sabogal, and Mercy Sabogal. He is survived by a loving nephew Johnny Brister, Jeff Richardson, and niece Karen Richardson. He is preceded in death by Sandra Brister and Kim Brister. Bill was also the proud papa of furry children whom he adored Sam, Buster, Lulu, Lucas, Buck, Tacky Jack, Scooby Doo, and Wyatt. He loved to rescue dogs, but he knew the dogs rescued him. All the friends and extended family who knew Bill loved his generous spirit, welcoming and humorous personality. A private family gathering will be held on the waters near Gulf Shores on Sunday October 25, 2020. An online memorial remembrance album will be set up for friends and family to post memories and pictures for the family to cherish. See link in Bill Brister Facebook page. Condolences to the family may be sent to the home of Bill and Myriam Brister.

Mr. Billy Ray Brister

December 19, 1939 - October 16, 2020