Billie Ray Hare

Billie Ray “Bill” Hare, 92, of Mooresville, formerly of Kannapolis, passed away peacefully at his home on September 4, 2025, after a period of declining health.

A devoted family man, Bill found his greatest purpose in teaching and nurturing his loved ones. Some of the family's most cherished memories include his gentle guidance teaching Julie to fish off the pier at Myrtle Beach, driving the boat across Lake Norman while Joy skied, and his patient lessons in golf with his grandsons.

A lifelong resident of the area, Bill was born on December 6, 1932, in Rowan County, a son of the late Doak Hare Sr. and Ora Thomas Hare. Bill was a man of deep faith, a longtime member of North Kannapolis Baptist Church, and had a successful career at Duke Power, retiring in 1991.,

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Maxine Hess Hare; his daughters Joy Branham of Irmo, South Carolina, and Julie Jordan (Ronnie) of Clermont, Florida; his grandchildren John Branham (Jaclyn), Justin Jordan (Erika), and Zakary Jordan; and his three great-grandchildren, Ella, Eva, and Jace. He also leaves behind his sister, Helen Beaver of Kannapolis. Bill was preceded in death by his brother, Doak Hare Jr., and his grandson, Tripp Branham.

A memorial service to celebrate Bill’s life will be held at the Carolina Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, 601 Mt. Olivet Road, Kannapolis, at 1:00 PM on Sunday, September 7, 2025, with Rev. Timothy Brown officiating. The family will receive friends in the chapel following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one of the organizations close to Bill’s heart: North Kannapolis Baptist Church Food Pantry (312 Locust Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081), Hearts 4 Home (114 Waterlynn Club Drive, Mooresville, NC 28117), or VIA Palliative & Hospice Care (705 Griffin Street, Ste 203, Davidson, NC 28036).