Billy Ray Howard was born September 7, 1933, in Maysville, Oklahoma, to Lester Charles and Nancy Parlee “Vena” Elizabeth (Cassell) Howard, and passed away October 24, 2023, in Ardmore, Oklahoma, at the age of 90 years. Billy graduated from Elmore City High School and went to OSU on a basketball scholarship. After a short time at OSU, Billy was drafted to serve his country in the Army. He proudly served and was a member of the 101st Military Police Detachment in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He completed 36 jumps to receive the Parachutist Badge. While in school and a young man, Billy had a love for animals. He enjoyed showing animals and helping his daughter and granddaughters learn how to care for and show calves and pigs. He also spent much time at rodeos and was a member of the Stratford Round-up Club. And he loved his dogs. After his time in the service, Billy was an owner/operator truck driver traveling cross county. He traveled across the US through every state. He would take his dog with him in the truck. And we all know how much he enjoyed trading vehicles! He traded more that anyone in Garvin County. Most of all, Billy loved his family and enjoyed when they came to visit.
Billy is survived by brother, Charles Howard and Becky of Ardmore, Oklahoma; granddaughters, Sunni Bolles and Kaly Shepard; great-grandchildren, Zoey Nunn, Nicole Miller, Morgan Miller, and Landon Miller; and great-great-grandchildren, Khia Arinwone and Jamari Arinwone; niece, Nancy Pickett and Tony; nephews, Chuck Pirtle and Becky, Mike Niblett and Kathy, Jeff Williams, Scott Woods and Jaclyn; several great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; and even great-great-great.
Preceded in death by his parents, Lester and Vena Howard; wife, Betty Willoughby-Howard; daughter, Debbie Durham; sister, Nellie Alice Rushing; nephews, Chip Howard and Jared Howard; and great-niece, Lauren Pickett.
A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the Maysville Cemetery in Maysville, Oklahoma. Services are under the direction of John W. Williams of Winans Funeral Home in Maysville, Oklahoma. Words of comfort may be sent to the family at: www.winansfuneralhome.com.
