Officer Billie Ray Neadham

In Loving Memory of Officer Billie Ray Neadham 

“Peter” 

December 27, 1970 – May 9, 2025   

Officer Billie Ray Neadham, affectionately known to many as “Peter,” passed away unexpectedly on Friday, May 9, 2025, at the age of 54. A devoted public servant, beloved family man, and pillar of the Lorain County community, Billie leaves behind a powerful legacy of service, dedication, and love.

Billie was born on December 27, 1970, in Sandusky, Ohio, to Raymond J. Neadham and the late Lillie Ruth Neadham (née McGill). A proud graduate of Perkins High School, Class of 1989, Billie answered the call to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Army. Following his honorable discharge, he embarked on a lifelong career in law enforcement.

Billie began his law enforcement journey at the Grafton Correctional Institution, where he served with distinction for 12 years. There, he was a valued member of the Special Response Team (SRT) and also served as an instructor in unarmed self-defense and firearms training.

In 2012, Billie became a Security Police Officer for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), serving through 2019. During this time, he also joined the Lorain County SWAT Team, further demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public safety.

Billie joined the Oberlin Police Department in 2007 as an Auxiliary Patrol Officer. His professionalism, dedication, and heart for the community quickly led to his promotion to Part-Time Patrol Officer in 2008, and then to Full-Time Patrol Officer in 2009. For more than 18 years, Officer Neadham served the Oberlin community with integrity and compassion.

He also served as the School Resource Officer for the Oberlin City Schools and was the lead advisor for the Police Explorers Program since 2010, mentoring countless youth. Officer Neadham was instrumental in organizing impactful community initiatives such as Oberlin Safety Town and the annual “Shop with a Cop” program, enriching the lives of families across the city.

Outside of his uniform, Billie was known for his passion for music as a DJ, his love of riding motorcycles, traveling, and hosting community events. He found joy in maintaining his yard and spending quality time with his beloved family.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 25 years, Cherice Neadham (née Cook); his loving children, Tylan R. Neadham, Devontae M. Gholson, and Gabrielle Neadham; cherished grandchildren, Damarion M. Gholson and Demi Amour Gholson; his father, Raymond J. Neadham; brother-in-law Tyrone (Erica) Cook and James Hightower Jr.; sisters-in-law Tonya LeGrair and Jernika (Nathaniel) Rose; special cousins Sharon McGill, Darian Veal, and Kalendren Bonner; and his closest friends Jerry Matthews Jr., Mark Williams, and Larry Brown. He is also mourned by his colleagues at the Oberlin Police Department, and a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his beloved mother, Lillie Ruth Neadham; his mother-in-law, Orba Cook-Jordan; his father-in-law, James Hightower; and close friends Larry Sparks and Derrick Philon.

Visitation will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home, 1814 Milan Road, Sandusky, Ohio.

A second visitation will take place on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the time of service at 11:00 AM at Finney Chapel, 90 North Professor Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074.

Interment will follow at Perkins Cemetery in Sandusky, Ohio.

Officer Billie Ray Neadham’s life was a testament to honor, community, and service. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege to know and love him.