Billy L. Ross, age 79 a longtime Singer and Song Writer, passed away on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at Linwood Village in Cushing. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 16, 2011 at the First United Methodist Church, Cushing. Rev. Larry Eslinger will officiate. Interment will follow at Euchee Valley Memorial Park, Cushing.

Arrangements are entrusted to Palmer Marler Funeral Home, Cushing.

Billy was born on March 4, 1932 in Bucklin, Kansas to the late William Doss and Etta Dell (Baker) Ross. He grew up and attended school in Bucklin. Billy entered the U.S. Army on January 29, 1952. He served during the Korean Conflict, receiving the Purple Heart and the Combat Infantry Badge while serving his country. He returned home in 1954. Billy married the love of his life Phillie Williamson on November 9, 1954 in Clayton, New Mexico. They lived in Plainview, Tx. and then for a short time in Tulia, Tx then moved to Cushing. Billy worked in road construction for many years in Texas. His true passion in life was singing and song writing. Billy has won many awards for his song writing. He was very proud of his accomplishments.
He was known as "Okie Bill" to many. One of his award winning songs, "Growing Old in California with Oklahoma on my mind" plays in a museum honoring Grapes of Wrath. They moved to Cushing in 1996 to be near their family, where they are active in the Senior Citizens, a life member of the Veteran of Foreign Wars, and member of Mehan Union Church. He loved spending time with his family.

Billy is survived by his wife Phillie of the home, daughters Linda Herrin and husband Valley of Edmond, Vicki McLendon and husband Rick of Enid, Anita Houston and husband Rick of Stillwater, brothers Charles H. Ross and wife Jo Ruth of San Angelo, Tx., Robert Wayne Ross and wife Betty of Hanahan, S.C., Jim Newland and wife Jan of California, sister-in-law: Britty Margaret Worton of Forgan, Ok., brother-in-law: Robert Williamson and wife Wanda of Woodward, Ok., grandchildren Lisa Armstrong and Joey, Sara Truesdale and Wade, Valley Richard Herrin, Billy Curry, James Curry and Linda, Bobbi Joles and Billy, Ricky Houston and Lacey, Lesly Brown, great grandchildren Jaci and Gracelyn Armstrong, Savannah, Jackson, Sadie and Jagger Truesdale, Izak and Sam Herrin, James David and Aaron Curry, Billy Martin II and Cassie Curry, Titan Joles, Harley and Rowdy Houston, and Ollie Brown and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Jay and Gary, sister Bessie and an infant sister.