Services honoring the life of Billy Paul Paddock will be held 2 PM Friday, June 26, 2020 at the RiverCrest Chapel and Event Center in Bixby. Billy passed away May 11, 2020 at Clarehouse in Tulsa at the age of 72.
Born September 26, 1947, in Oklahoma City, Bill was the son of Myron and Betty Paddock. He grew up in an Air Force family and was extremely close to his grandparents. Bill and his brother, Jim, made many wonderful memories visiting their lake house together. He graduated from Northwest Classen High School with the Class of 1965. Following high school, Bill attended Oklahoma State University where he earned his bachelor’s degree. He would further his education in Operational Management by earning an additional degree from the University of Arkansas.
Like his father, Bill served honorably in the United States Air Force. In 1979, Bill and Sherry married in Little Rock, Arkansas, before moving to Tulsa to start a family. They were married for 23 years.
Bill was always a lover of music, including Country, Smooth Jazz, Classic Rock, and most of all, Jimmy Buffet. This passion led to a long successful career in the radio industry. He was the first sales manager for K 95 FM in Tulsa when they launched the successful station in 1981. As the market’s most sought after general manager, Bill was the leader of several area radio stations, including KMOD, KOOL 106.1, and played a significant role in the purchase of 92.1, Tulsa’s first Smooth Jazz station, “The Oasis.” Bill was well respected by many business leaders in Tulsa. In 2000, he helped create and organize the Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards. Also, a lover of sports, he eventually served as the General Manager for the Tulsa Talons football team for the 2005-2006 season.
A devout Christian, Bill taught Sunday School while living in Edmond at the Crossings Church for a couple of years before moving back to Broken Arrow. A man that believed in doing the right thing, Bill was strong in his faith and believed so greatly in the power of prayer. Bill had such a passion for helping people whenever possible. He was the Director of Development for ALS Patient Services Outreach at the time of his passing.
In 2007, Bill was diagnosed with MDS. A form of pre-leukemia that affected his blood counts with a prognosis of 3-5 years that he beat for 13 years. In March this year, doctors found an inoperable brain tumor. Still, he always had the most positive attitude and strongest faith.
He was the type that could carry on a conversation about anything and had advice and guidance for everything. He knew every “dad joke” known to man and was so proud of himself when he cracked a joke, especially when it got a good belly laugh. He talked more about his blessings than his troubles, and he made the most of the life he was given and never let cancer slow him down or define him. Not only was Bill a talker, but he was also a charmer and a terrific storyteller. Bill was a proud father and grandfather as he decorated the walls of his home with his grandchildren’s drawings. Family gatherings, holiday meals, a conversation over tea at Panera, and ice cream on your birthday were always a top priority to Bill. His devotion to his family and the bond they all shared will not soon be forgotten.
Surviving family include his children: Melissa and husband Ryan, Paul and wife, Tamara, Dean and fiancé, Stephanie, Tori, and Alex and husband, Cameron; as well as ten grandchildren: Dawson, Kaylee, Gabriel, Kennedy, Talon, Gracie, Bella, Keegan, Noah, and Bentley; and his father, Myron Paddock.
Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Paddock and his brother, Jim Paddock.
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