Obituary for Billy Frank Dill
Billy Frank Dill, a long-time resident of Hollis, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully at his home on August 27, 2024, at the age of 77.
Bill was born on March 5, 1947, in Hollis to Claud Marshall Dill II and Willie Lois (Bryson) Dill, along with his twin brother, Jim. Raised in the Dryden Community, Bill was active in both his school and the family farm. He played basketball and baseball at the Ron School. After the Ron School was hit by a tornado in the spring of 1964, he enrolled in Hollis High School and played tight end for the football team, graduating in 1966.
Bill continued his education at Southwestern State College in Weatherford completing his degrees in sociology and history. He juggled multiple jobs including working for an ambulance company, serving as a police officer, and working at The Mark Restaurant as a short-order cook and dishwasher-all while maintaining a full class load. On February 23, 1968 Bill married his college sweetheart, Karen Kite, at the First Baptist Church in Hollis.
After college, Bill worked as a classification officer at the McAlester State Penitentiary. In 1972, the Dills moved to Lawton, where Bill worked as a probation officer before being asked to return to McAlester to help restore order at the prison following the infamous 1973 riot. In December 1973, Bill and Karen returned to Hollis, where they made their living by farming. Bill also served as a Hollis Police Officer for several years and was the Chief of Police for two years in the early 1980s. However, farming and ranching remained his true passion. Bill grew cotton, wheat, hay, peanuts, potatoes for Frito-Lay, and even raised black-eyed peas for the people of Harmon County. He also worked for the Westview Boys Home as an advocate, and as the cattle manager and cotton farmer.
In 1983, Bill participated in the Ag Leadership Program through Oklahoma State University and traveled to Australia and New Zealand as a farming ambassador, sharing his farming knowledge and techniques while simultaneously learning from their ambassadors. In his free time, Bill enjoyed dining out, socializing, telling stories, and was known for his love of pranks and jokes. He was always dreaming up new projects and working tirelessly to support his family. He loved talking on his CB radio, using the handle "Peacemaker," a nod to his law enforcement background and his friendly demeanor.
Bill grew up in the Methodist Church and was baptized as a young man. On April 28, 2024, feeling a renewed calling, he chose to be baptized again by immersion, with his son, Jeff Dill, and Pastor Tim Tutten performing the sacred act.
Bill was welcomed into heaven by his parents, Claud Marshall Dill II and Willie Lois (Bryson) Dill; his twin brother, Jimmy "Jim" Gene Dill; and his sisters, Patricia Wood and Barbara James.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 56 years, Karen (Kite) Dill; his sons, Jeffrey Scott Dill and wife Kristi, and Steven Craig Dill; his grandchildren, Jared Scott Dill and wife Lynlee, Rebecca Marie Chambless and husband Garret, Blakely Michelle Rice and husband Mason, Leo Bryson Dill, and Elizabeth Brock Dill; four great-grandchildren, Conrad Chambless, Corbin Chambless, Darci Dill, and Jay Dill; his brothers, Claud Russell Dill and wife Linda, and Denzil Paul Dill; his sister, Suzy Sheriff; his sister-in-law, Kathy Kite; and numerous nieces, nephews, and church family.
Bill leaves a legacy of hard work, integrity, and unwavering devotion to his family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westview Boys Home or Dryden Cemetery Association.
Memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 3, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Hollis with Pastor Tim Tutten officiating. Interment will follow at Dryden Cemetery.
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Previous Events
Funeral
Tuesday
3
Sep
10:00 AM
First Baptist Church
201 E. Jones St
Hollis, OK 73550
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