Billy Ray Gifford

Billy Ray Gifford, of Paden, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the age of 87. Bill was born on Tuesday, March 10, 1936 in Boswell, Oklahoma. He was the son of James Talley and Millie Carrie (Garner) Gifford. He graduated from Borger High School in Borger, Texas and following high school, proudly served his country in the United States Army. After his service he went to work at Tinker Air Force Base where he retired after 40 years. Bill married Helen Nadine Combs on September 30, 1961 and the couple raised two children.

Bill was known for his hard work ethic and his innate ability to fix anything, even if it wasn’t fixable. He was a highly skilled mechanic and enjoyed working on cars and farm equipment. He enjoyed spending time on his land and working his cattle. Bill had a big heart for those he loved. He was truly dedicated to his loving wife, Helen and to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bill was a longtime member of the Prague Free Will Baptist Church. Bill was a good man and had a good life and will be missed by many.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter, Teresa V. Gifford; and brothers, James (Gene) Gifford, Gary Don Gifford and Roy Lee Gifford.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 62 years, Helen Nadine Gifford of the home; one son, Michael Gifford of Shawnee; his daughter, Debra Every and her husband, Philip of Monroe, North Carolina; 3 grandchildren, Sarah Every Helsel and her husband, Zane, Emily Noel Every and Bryce Gifford; one brother, Terry Gifford; one sister, Janie Rook and a host of family and friends.