Billy Pyle
September 12, 1947 - June 5, 2024
Billy Ray’s greatest source of joy came from being Papa aka Papa Boogie to his grandchildren. He never missed a game, birthday, or any cause to celebrate and support each of them. He made sure that they knew his door was always open and he was only a phone call away. All the great memories made and storytelling of his life adventures, fill the hearts of Duncan, Chase, Garret, Lacy Jo, Wyatt, and great-grandchildren Silas and Willow.
For years, Billy had his constant companion, Boogie, at his side. If he was going so was his beloved dog. Hence the nickname, Papa Boogie!
Billy Ray worked at TRW REDA Pump/Schlumberger for more than 3 decades, retiring when the option was given. He kept all around him laughing and wondering what he was going to do next. Whether it was a dare to fullfill some silly bet or flipping his Mustang over in the parking lot while showing off. He made lifelong friends while working there. There is sure to be a log of his antics with rules created to keep others from following suit.
He created a following with his racing on the dirt track starting with motorcycles and later cars. He even raced for Evel Knievel in 1972 finishing 2nd and did stunts, whether intended or not depends on who is telling the story. He had no fear and was full tilt from the drop of the checkered flag. If you needed it fixed, he was your guy. He spent countless hours with his close pal Mike Sawyer in the shop or on the road delivering parts across the US. Racing gave him one more outlet to make connections and friends. He loved fishing and organized numerous fishing tournaments at local lakes complete with bragging rights, prizes and cookouts. Every year around August his mind shifted to the upcoming deer hunting season and deer camp. He was the camp cook and entertained all with his stories and shenanigans. When he was home, he greatly enjoyed old westerns, mostly John Wayne, or what he considered the classics, anything with Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, or Clint Eastwood.
Billy Ray Pyle will always be remembered for his ability to make any situation better and put a smile on your face and his unwavering loyalty to those he loved. You couldn’t ask for a better friend, Daddy, or Papa. We’ll always imagine seeing him grab his nose, push his glasses up and say, “Mercy!” We would give anything to hear him give a pep talk that included turning John Wayne into a verb with saying, “Just John Wayne it!” We will miss Billy Ray every day, his laugh, smile, and teasing. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved him.
If you had the pleasure of knowing Billy Ray Pyle, then you knew a legend. He was the best of us in all situations, as a parent, a grandparent, a friend, and uncle. He was a fierce competitor when it came to a challenge of any sort, on the track, at work, or a simple dare from his buddies.
Billy Ray Pyle, 76 of Dewey, OK departed this Earth at home surrounded by those who loved him the evening of June 5, 2024.
He was born in Bartlesville, OK in 1947 to Berlie Wesley Pyle and Margaret Fern White Pyle. He was the youngest of three boys and was often teased about being Grandma’s favorite or “The Baby”. His love for going fast began at an early age. He rigged up a go cart with metal bike rims as wheels, taken from a brother’s bike, and took off down the streets of Dewey. With a spark flying descent through the stoplight at the main street intersection, he was hooked.
Billy had one son, Patrick Ray Pyle who he loved with all his heart. Pat was his pride and joy. Later in life he was blessed with blended families and took in all without a hitch and his family grew for life. He loved each of us and was our greatest fan in all we did.