Billy Gene Vinyard's Obituary
Billy Gene Vinyard passed from this life on February 14, 2023, surrounded by what he always said were his greatest accomplishments, his daughters, as well as one of his granddaughters. He was born on January 5, 1937, to Gus and Nancy Imogene (Brackett) Vinyard in “old” Bernice, OK, the sixth of seven children and one of the three “little boys”. When the original town of Bernice was flooded for the lake, the family moved to Afton, where he graduated second in his class. After just missing out on an academic scholarship, he joined the Army and proudly served 6 years, during which time he was stationed in various locations including Colorado, Texas, Virginia, Japan, and Germany just to name a few. He was a welder by trade, which took him to job sites across the United States. He was always one to enjoy traveling across the country (never one to take the interstate) taking in all the beautiful sites our country has. A proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation, he spent countless hours researching our family history and documenting it for our generation and future generations. He was preceded in death by his wife of 33 years Shirley (Thomas) Vinyard, his parents Gus and Nancy Imogene Vinyard, his son Bradley Augustus Vinyard, brothers Jackie Vinyard, Mick Vinyard, Richard Vinyard, Roger Vinyard, sisters Treva Overacre, Beverly Hill, sister-in-law Loretta (Barham) Vinyard, brothers-in-law George Overacre, Wayne Hill, nephew Brent Vinyard, niece Lisa Overacre, and stepdaughter Cheryl Henderson.
He is survived by his daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren Valerie Reinert and husband Michael of Owasso, OK, Melody “Suzie” Smith and husband Alan of Wichita, KS, Brittany (Reinert) Turner and husband Patrick of Bixby, OK; Courtney (Reinert) Forsander and husband Randy and of Tulsa; Kaitlyn Reinert of Springfield, PA, and Emelyn and Rowan Turner and Addyson Forsander. Family was important to dad and through his marriage, to Shirley, he gained additional children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren including Sandra Mahoney, Teresa Whited, Ken Boyer, Robbie Boyer, and Brad Henderson, 10 grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. He is survived by his nieces and nephews who all had a special place in his heart and include Delores (Overacre) Simms, Curtis Vinyard, Debbie Vinyard, Terri (Hill) Thomasson, Peggy (Hill) Mahurin, Gary Hill, Shelley Jo (Hill) Gaston, Teresa (Vinyard) Pollok, DeWayne Vinyard, Russell Vinyard, and Randy Vinyard. His sisters-in-law Margie Panter, Laberta Vinyard, and Janice Vinyard.
We would be remiss if we did not mention his Thursday afternoon meeting buddies, those who have passed, and those who are still with us. One of his greatest joys over the last 7 years was spending time with the men he grew up with reminiscing and solving the world’s problems for 2 hours every week. Animals held a special place in his heart through the years, none more special than Johnnie whom he is now reunited with and who he missed dearly over the last year.
As per his wishes, he will be cremated and laid to rest at Floral Haven Cemetery in Broken Arrow, OK in a private service. However, the family wishes to honor and celebrate his memory and will host family and friends on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 11-2 pm at 5855 N Meadows Ridge Road, Owasso, OK to share a meal and memories. In order to allow us to plan for the meal, kindly RSVP to [email protected].
The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Seasons Hospice for the excellent care he received and the support they provided. When we lose someone we love, we must not learn to live without them, but to live with the love they left behind. Author Unknown.
Please use the directions below to get to the residence for the Celebration of Life:
GPS Location for Destination (36014’19.5”N 95045’41.4”W) if you put in this info as destination, it will bring you to the house
Directions:
From NE Oklahoma (Miami, Afton, etc)
Take I-44 Exit 248 for OK-266 W toward Port of Catoosa
In 6 Mi, Turn Right onto OK-266W
In 0.2 MilesTurn Right onto N 193rd E Ave
Just before the Water tower at the top of the hill turn left (N Water Way St)
Make the first Left on N Meadows Ridge Rd and follow all the way to the last house on the left.
From Tulsa or Points West
Take OK-169 North to OK-266 E (Port of Catoosa)
In approximately 4 Miles turn Left onto N 193rd E Ave
Just before the Water tower at the top of the hill turn left (N Water Way St)
Make the first Left on N Meadows Ridge Rd and follow all the way to the last house on the left.
What’s your fondest memory of Billy?
What’s a lesson you learned from Billy?
Share a story where Billy's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Billy you’ll never forget.
How did Billy make you smile?
