Billy Ray Bickford was born in Sterling, Kansas on December 16, 1947, the youngest child of Charles Henry and Neta Pearl (Willhoite) Bickford. Billy passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016. He was 68.
He spent his childhood in Tiawah and Enid. He enjoyed being a resident at the Hays House in Nowata throughout his entire adult life.
Though some would believe health limitations that kept him from regular school attendance and a work career made his life unproductive, his family, friends and caregivers knew his life purpose was to bring a joy filled smile into the lives of everyone who knew him.
When family came to visit Billy would become so excited that he was certain it must be his birthday. And often he was given a little gift to celebrate the occasion. Sister, Dolly never missed that opportunity. If he was gifted with cash, he would head to the pop machine, he loved getting to buy his own Coke. He loved to sing and was often the loudest voice in the room. There was a collection of teddy bears that made his room uniquely his own.
Not only were his family members aware of his gift of lighting up a room with his infectious smile; but, caregivers were also daily recipients of his joy. He was affectionately known as B. B. at the Hays House.
Billy is survived by his friends, caregivers and three of his siblings: O. L. Bickford, Stanley Bickford and Joe Bickford.
He is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings.
Services celebrating will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 10 2016 in The Chapel of the Garden at Rice Funeral Service. He will be laid to rest beside his mother at Woodlawn Cemetery.
Billy Ray Bickford was born in Sterling, Kansas on December 16, 1947, the youngest child of Charles Henry and Neta Pearl (Willhoite) Bickford. Billy passed away Tuesday, March 8, 2016. He was 68.
He spent his childhood in Tiawah and Enid. He enjoyed being a resident at the Hays House in Nowata throughout his entire adult life.
Though some would believe health limitations that kept him from regular school attendance and a work career made his life unproductive, his family, friends and caregivers knew his life purpose was to bring a joy filled smile into the lives of everyone who knew him.
When family came to visit Billy would become so excited that he was certain it must be his birthday. And often he was given a little gift to celebrate the occasion. Sister, Dolly never missed that opportunity. If he was gifted with cash, he would head to the pop machine, he loved getting to buy his own Coke. He loved to sing and was often the loudest voice in the room. There was a collection of teddy bears that made his room uniquely his own.
Not only were his family members aware of his gift of lighting up a room with his infectious smile; but, caregivers were also daily recipients of his joy. He was affectionately known as B. B. at the Hays House.
Billy is survived by his friends, caregivers and three of his siblings: O. L. Bickford, Stanley Bickford and Joe Bickford.
He is preceded in death by his parents and eight of his siblings.
Services celebrating will be 2:00 P.M. Thursday, March 10 2016 in The Chapel of the Garden at Rice Funeral Service. He will be laid to rest beside his mother at Woodlawn Cemetery.
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