Billy Ray Suggs Jr. was born and raised in North Carolina. He joined the United States Marine Corps in the late 60’s training in survival units. After being honorably discharged he became a lifeguard instructor and father of four children. One of the many young people he has mentored is his former neighbor, Mitchell Slaggert. It was through Mitchell’s Instagram account that director Daniel Peddle was introduced to Billy Ray and cast him in the role of Moss’s Dad.