Billy Guy Bockius

Billy Guy Bockius was born November 29, 1935 in Bartlesville OK to Jack and Edythe (McWhorter) Bockius. He was cherished as their only child and spent his youth fishing, riding horses and raising show dogs on the Bockius Ranch. He left this earth on April 29th to join the love of his life, Linda, who preceded him in death only a few months ago. It has been said that when you thought of one, you couldn’t help but think of the other. After graduating from College High School in Bartlesville, he attended Oklahoma State University, where he studied Business and was a member of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. During his college years, he met his soulmate, a sweet Kansas girl named Linda Lou Bowlin. They married after graduation, and he began his lifelong career as a Marketing Representative for Phillips Petroleum Co. After living in Raleigh, NC, Tulsa and Enid, the couple made their home in Muskogee and raised their daughters, Melissa, Stephanie and Jennifer. He was a loving husband and father, attending all of their functions-before it was the fashion. As Linda Lou was not much of a cook, his girls looked forward to Dad’s Friday night steak dinners. He coached a girls’ softball team for many years, becoming a beloved mentor and father-figure to those who affectionately called him “Mr. B”. Bill was a true historian: his passion was restoring 1950 and 1951 Fords to their original glory and was an avid collector of antique Coca-Cola and oil company memorabilia. He spent countless hours researching Civil War battle sites and metal-detecting for artifacts. He served as Exalted Ruler of the Muskogee Elks Lodge, was a member of the Masonic Lodge, led the Episcopal youth with Linda at Saint Mathews Episcopal Church in Enid, and later served on the Vestry at Grace Episcopal. Bill was a proud member of the Osage Indian Nation. Billy Guy was a quiet man with a wry smile, quick wit, and a very large heart – often bringing home stray animals who became part of his family. No one ever came to him in need and went away empty handed. He was the epitome of a true gentleman. Bill is survived by his daughters, Melissa Roth and her husband Spencer Roth, Stephanie Garrett and son-in-law Mike Garrett, Jennifer Todd and son-in-law Terry Todd; his grandchildren, Meagan Sinclair, Rebecca Beaty, Kyle and Brittany Garrett and Buck Todd; his great-grandchildren, Bailee Coltharp, Parker Sinclair, Aubrie Beaty, and Paightyn Garrett; and his cousin, Annie Hoffman her husband Stuart, and their daughter Kaylee. The family is forever grateful to caregivers who cared for Bill like family: Kassie Sallis, Annie Hoffman, Beverly Sample, Sonja Wilson, and Gina Wilson. We also appreciate special friends at the Prairie House: Dakota, Bridgit, Anna, Makelti, and Thalia, and many more. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Grace Episcopal Church or Alzheimer’s Association. Funeral services celebrating Billy Guy’s life will be 1PM, Friday, May 4, 2018 at Grace Episcopal Church with Rev. Bob Wickizer officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhill Cemetery with Mike Garrett, Kyle Garrett, Spencer Roth, Buck Todd, Stuart Hoffman, Ron Boren, and Brandon Zuniga serving as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Jason Rogers, Vol Kester, Jon Gimlin, and Stan Martin.

Billy Guy Bockius

November 29, 1935 - April 29, 2018