Billy Gene, known by most as “Bill”, grew up on the family farm near the Carter community. He attended school in Carter and was a member of the graduating class of 1957. He later furthered his education at Cameron College in Lawton, Oklahoma. On May 2nd, 1958, Bill married the love of his life, Margaret Ann (Ford), at uncle Walter and Aunt Stella Breeze residence in Carter, Oklahoma. After their marriage they moved to various towns before making their home and raising their children in Sayre, Oklahoma.

Throughout Bill’s life, he spent 33 years as a U.S. Postal Service worker ending his career as a Postmaster in Arapaho and Hollis, Oklahoma. In 1992, Bill formally retired from the U.S. Postal Service but his strong work ethic and his inability to sit still was the driving force to being an asset to the Sayre First Baptist Church, Whinery Funeral Service, Great Plains National Bank along with raising cattle and farming. Bill also enjoyed spending time with his family, grandchildren and especially his wife of 67 years, Margaret.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son-in-law, Doug Martin; sister, Sue Daniels and numerous aunts and uncles.

Bill is survived by his wife, Margaret, of the home; 2 children, Clifford Rippetoe and wife, Leah, San Diego, CA and Lisa Martin, Mustang, OK; 4 grandchildren, Jeremy Cox, Melissa Robertson and husband, Jeremy, Kodi Collinson and husband, Jeremy, and Ty Martin; 8 great grandchildren, Keegan, Cristian, Tierney Kaye, Brady, Emma, Ayden, Brantlee, and Blakeleigh; 2 nieces, Gina Britton and husband, Mark and Brenda Britton and husband, Nelson; 1 nephew, Carl Wimberly and wife, Debbie and a host of other relatives and friends.

The family suggest memorial donations be made to the Baptist Childrens Home at 300 Johnny Bench Drive, Ste. 450, Oklahoma City, OK 73104 or at www.obhc.org