Billie Ray Hatmaker Jr.

Billie Ray Hatmaker, Jr., 57, of Punta Gorda, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on June 11, 2022. He was born on October 15, 1964, in Baltimore Maryland to Ella Jane Muhl. Affectionately known to his family and loved ones as Ray, he honorably served in the U.S. Army as a Combat Medic with the 2nd Armored Division. Following his service, he joined the Baltimore City Fire Department as a Paramedic/Firefighter. He also served as a Hazardous Materials Specialist. In 2006, Ray left Baltimore and became a member of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Department. He accepted a position to the State of Florida’s Department of Environmental Protection, acting as an Environmental Detective until the DEP was disbanded, becoming the Fish and Wildlife Commission. His duties were to patrol the waterways and parks and assist in wildlife rescue. Ray was also a Cub Scout leader for many years.

Ray’s greatest joy was to travel. On many trips, it involved visiting local police or fire stations. He loved cruising both the Caribbean and Transatlantic. While still residing in Baltimore, Ray, his wife, and stepson took yearly trips to Manhattan to sightsee and take in a Broadway show. Among his favorites were Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera.

Always one to stop and thank a veteran for his service, he thought nothing of paying for their meal at a restaurant. One of his most endearing traits was buying flowers for his mother-in-law for no particular reason, other than to give her joy. He had a great fondness for cats, adopting and taking in many strays throughout the years. His beloved cat Ninja was his constant companion until the end.

Ray will be deeply missed by his wife of 31 years, Karen Hatmaker; children David Hatmaker, Michael Paul Chesner, and Christine Brinsfield; brother Michael Hatmaker; sister Tracey Hamilton; 3 grandchildren; father David Muhl; in-laws William and Cecile Keller; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and his mother Ella Jane Muhl.

A Visitation will be held from 5-7:00 pm on Wednesday, June 15, 2022, at the Johnson-Taylor Funeral Chapel in Punta Gorda. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, June 16, 2022, at San Antonio Catholic Church in Port Charlotte. Plans for interment will be scheduled for a future date at Sarasota National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in Ray’s name to Tidewell Hospice of Charlotte County, the Animal Welfare League, your local Fraternal Order of Police or Fire Department, or simply buy a veteran a meal and put a smile on their face.