Billy Ray South, Dewey county farmer and rancher, was born July 11, 1930 at the family home in Leedey, Oklahoma. His parents were John Phillip and Ruby Ann (McClure) South.
Bill attended Leedey Public Schools graduating with the Class of 1948. Bill was united in marriage to Miss Betty Jo Robinson on August 20, 1954. Two children were born to this marriage, Darla Sue and Joe Bill. The family made their home in Leedey. They farmed and ranched for over 56 years.
Bill served on the Dewey County Conservation District for 18 years, the Evergreen Cemetery Board and was one of the group to found the Leedey Clinic and the last of the original board members. Bill was baptized in his early teen years and was a member of the Leedey First Baptist Church. He served as a deacon, training union director, Sunday school teacher, chairman of building committees for both the sanctuary and educational wing project. Bill loved and enjoyed people, the outdoors and laughter, but he truly adored his family, especially his grandchildren.
Bill passed from this life on July 22, 2011, at the age of 81 years, at Elk City, Oklahoma. He was preceded in deatgh by parents, John and Ruby South, sisters, Emma Britton and Johnie Hall and a great-grandson, Joshua Warren.
He is survived by his wife and best friend Betty South of Leedey, Oklahoma; children, Darla Warren of Fort Worth, Texas and Joe South of Maplewood, New Jersey; sisters Ina Wherritt of Thomas, Oklahoma and Allene Foster of Norman, Oklahoma; 5 grnadchildren, Christopher Warren, Stephanie Warren, Kirk Warren, Craig Warren and Sraci Warren; 3 great-grandchildren; 8 nieces, 7 nephews other family and a host of friends.
Funeral Services were held Monday, July 25 at the First Baptist Church, Leedey, Oklahoma with burial following in Evergreen Cemetery. Services arranged by Shaw Funeral Home, Leedey, Oklahoma. Condolences may be made to the family at shawfuneralhome.net.
Cheyenne Star, Cheyenne, OK 28-JUL-2011