Bill G. Priddy Sr. completed his life journey with us on May 30, 2023 to be reunited with his loving wife, Jeanne and greeted by his sweet Lord. Services, celebrating his life, will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 6th at Craddock Memorial Chapel in Ardmore, OK. Dr. Alton Fannin, of the Ardmore First Baptist Church, will officiate. Military graveside services will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends on Monday, June 5th from 6:00-7:00, also at Craddock Memorial Chapel.

Bill was born February 18, 1928 in Ardmore, OK to Edna and Charles Priddy Sr. He passed, of natural causes, in Longview, TX, having moved there 6 years earlier to live near his son and daughter-in-law.

In the late 1940's and early 1950's, he rode horses in a Rodeo Quadrille (square dancing on horseback). His Uncle J.C. Priddy was the caller and Bill was the last remaining participant.

Bill, a proud 1947 graduate of Ardmore High School, nurtured his lifelong friendships with classmates. He encourage and helped with monthly gatherings for nearly 70 years, continuing to meet over chicken toes at Two Frogs since 1993! He was very loyal to Ardmore High and instrumental in all of his class reunions.

He was inducted 11/7/1950 to the U.S. Army and honorably discharged 10/1/1956. He quickly advanced to the rank of Staff Sergeant during the Korean War. While serving, he was stationed, for a time, in Alaska, which he spoke of frequently. His favorite memory, of his time there, occurred in 1952 hunting and harvesting a Dahl Ram sheep near Anchorage. It was the third largest harvested, that year, and still hangs proudly on the wall to this day.

After his tour ended, he transferred to the Army Reserves 10/23/1952 and returned to Ardmore. He worked, hauling produce from South Texas, for his friend's dad at Means Trucking, until the family closed their business. He then worked for Perkins Sporting Goods before landing a job with Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in 1952. He worked his way "up the phone pole" in Enid, Marietta, Ada, and Lawton, eventually retiring in Ardmore as a District Engineer. Around the late 1950's or early 60's, he was the construction foreman to convert from an operator assisted switchboard to a dial system in Love County. His knowledge and no nonsense attitude on the job earned him much respect in the company. He was always willing and able to tackle any job, big or small, and made sure that job was done perfectly well and right! Bill was a detailed storyteller and loved to tell his story of shaking Gene Autry's hand at his ranch, while doing phone work there early in his career.

Jeanne Neal became his wife on October 31, 1953 in Gainesville, TX. She passed only 1 week before their 59th anniversary (10/24/2012). Bill was an excellent, award winning cook (distinguished member of the Priddy Food Family of cooks). Known for his tasty pear preserves, plum, and blackberry jellies, he also won awards for his peach cobbler. Many tasting his sweet treat could not wait for the next one baked and were always asking for his SECRET recipe! Along with finding his place in any modern kitchen, he most loved being the chief cook at ALL primitive hunting and fishing camps! He excelled in being prepared for that job! He and Jeanne often shared their kitchen, BOTH being fabulous cooks creating their own individual, yummy recipes! They welcomed their only child, Bill Jr., on July 30, 1955. Bill passed on his love of the outdoors, and fishing/hunting skills to his son. He developed that love for hunting and fishing, having been introduced in high school to duck hunting, by his Uncle Woodrow (Woody) Priddy. Late in life after retirement, he took up bow hunting, spending countless days in the woods, happy with his bow until he was no longer able in only the last few years. But he loved to relive his adventures, in VIVID details, to anyone who would take the time to listen to his many hunting and fishing stories!

Bill spent many hours over the years at Harris Garage and Harris Cabinet, just "hangin' out" with Dan and sons, Travis and Troy. He went on many hunting/fishing trips with the Harris families. His lifelong friend and Best Man, Floyd Forbes, could always keep Bill busy helping on his ranch. Together they enjoyed mending fences, tending cows, and reliving old shared memories.

In addition to his wife, Jeanne, Bill was greeted in Heaven by his parents; older brother, Charles Priddy Jr. and his wife, Kathy; and their daughter, Barbara Priddy, Bill's beloved niece. Left behind to celebrate his life is his only child, Bill Priddy Jr. and his wife, Teresa Wood Priddy of

Longview, TX. Also left saying, "We will miss you, Grand Dad" are his 2 grand daughters: Amy Priddy Smith and husband, Fred of Sulphur, OK; Amber Priddy Hobbs and her husband, Jeremy of Union Grove, TX, along with 4 GREAT Grand daughters: Chaeli Smith Pettitt and her husband, Ty of Sulphur, OK, Chasta Smith of Sulphur, OK, Jessica Hobbs of Union Grove, OK, and Courtney Hobbs of Broken Bow, OK, and his ONLY GREAT Grandson: Jaxon Hobbs of Union Grove, TX AND his 8 GREATGREAT Grandchildren: Thatcher, Triton, & Trenson Pettitt of Sulphur, OK; Raiter, Remi, Rinleigh, Roston, & Darcy of Broken Bow, OK. Also left to cherish his memory are nephews David Priddy, his wife, Nancy of Edmond, OK and their daughters, Corbin and Carson; and John Priddy, his wife, Tracy of Tulsa, OK and their kids, John Cole and Ryan Elizabeth, along with numerous precious cousins and friends.

Our family wishes to thank ALL of the staff of Heartis of Longview, TX Assisted Living Care. We must particularly mention and wholeheartedly thank LaShon Gray, the R.C.C. and Katlyn Taylor, Care Partner. And it is with an abundance of our admiration and gratitude that we most especially thank Ms. LaShonda Brown, Care Partner. She took her normal, attentive, & kind care to the highest level for Bill. She truly became his friend with such deep interest and sweet ways with him, even during her own health crisis. To the family's surprise…….she could coax him to dance with her! We must also thank HospicePlus. They sent a "care angel" to Bill's son in the man, L.B. Jordan. His gentle way of being there, always with knowledge, guidance, and just the right words, actions, and advise was a Godsend for Bill Jr. during these last tough months. Much more than an "end of life facilitator", Bill Jr. now considers L.B. Jordan a friend for life. These special people are truly earning jewels for their crowns that await them in Heaven!

Pallbearers are: Jaxon Hobbs, Fred Smith, Jeremy Hobbs, Travis Harris, Greg Simpson, and Bobby Price.

Honorary Pallbearers are: David Priddy, John Priddy, Jack Shadle, David Rogers, Floyd Forbes, and Dan and Troy Harris.

Bill Priddy Sr. was best summed up by his grand daughter, Amber Priddy Hobbs: "Grand Dad had a big, soft heart……protected by a tough exterior" "We will miss you, Grand Dad."

In lieu of flowers, our family has requested donations be made to Camp Sweeney. Two of his greatgrandchildren have attended and directly benefit from this camp for children with Type 1 Diabetes.

Camp Sweeney

P.O. Box 918

Gainesville, TX. 76241

https://campsweeney.org/donate/

Online condolences can be made at www.craddockfuneralhome.com