Bill Ray Pritchett, Sr.

Billie Bill Ray Pritchett Sr. passed from this life on Sunday, November 9, 2014 in Farmington, NM. Services have been entrusted to the care of Palmer Marler Funeral Home of Stillwater and a service celebrating his life will be held at 10:00am on Friday at the Palmer Marler Funeral Home Chapel. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00pm on Thurs. evening.

Bill was born on Dec 18, 1947 in Yale, OK to Clarence and Elsie (Estes) Pritchett. He grew up and attended school in both the Cleveland and Jennings area. Following his graduation from Yale High School, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served his country honorably. After completing his service, he returned to OK and began a life-long career as a ranch hand, hauling and caring for bulls on several different ranches. It was during these years that he met the love of his life, Opal Watts. On July 20, 1978 Bill and Opal were married at a ceremony in Stillwater, OK.

From the mid 80s until the early 90s Bill worked the oilfields as a pumper, before returning to ranching in the late 90s, when he accepted a position as a ranch hand at Ken Garretts ranch. Bill continued working for Garrett until 2009 when he relocated to Farmington, New Mexico to be near his wifes family. In New Mexico, Bill worked for Buster Webbs ranch where he traveled all over the Midwest taking care of Webbs rodeo bulls; a job he enjoyed until his recent passing.

Bill was an easy going man who was very caring. He dedicated his life to caring for his wife and for the many animals entrusted to his care. He enjoyed going to the rodeo, raising rodeo bulls, and being a cowboy. Bill was a good man and he will be missed by all who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents and a daughter, Shawn Pritchett. He is survived by his wife of over 35 years Opal (Watts) Pritchett. Four sons: David Watts of Ripley, OK, Billie Ray Pritchett Jr. of Oklahoma City, OK, Zach Prichett of Stroud, OK and Alex Stephens of Tulsa, OK. 12 Grandchildren: E.J., Ashley, and Brittany Williams, Shawnace Schaming, Dalton, Trevor, and Keri Jo Watts, Summer, Conner, Tyler, Josh, and Braden Pritchett. He is also survived by four great grandchildren and several nieces, nephews, and close friends.