Billy Jay Hoots

1951~2024

In Loving Memory...

Billy Jay Hoots was born to James Conger Hoots and Maxine (Jackson) Hoots on December 1, 1951 at the Watonga Hospital. Bill departed this life peacefully on February 27, 2024 after a lengthy illness at the age of 72. He is preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Susan and her husband Gerald Whetstone, and his cousin Nancy and Gary Meier. Bill is survived by his nephew Chris Pembrook of Longdale, Oklahoma and three cousins; Richard Hoots and Karen from Aurora, Colorado and Debbie and Bill Secrest from Seiling, Oklahoma and Jimmy Lynn Day from Alaska.

Billy loved living and working on his family’s farm. He attended Canton Public School meeting his buddy Jay Hoffman in elementary school, a friendship that would last a lifetime. He excelled in FFA showing cattle and becoming President of FFA his senior year as well as class President. Bill continued his education at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater where he and his buddy, Jay, roomed together for a year. Bill worked his way through school doing maintenance work for the trailer park. Upon graduation he pursued a career in Agricultural Education. He accepted a position at Chouteau where he remained for 17 years becoming heavily involved in the surrounding communities’ farm related organizations. He pursued further education in the administrative field and served in many communities as administrator before returning home to minister to his aging mother.

Bill was a member of the Canton Christian Church accepting Christ at a church camp alongside his sister and cousin. They returned to church where they were baptized. Bill helped in the building of the new church fellowship hall and classrooms. He participated with his church in the Sandy Cove Live Christmas presentation. He helped with the funeral dinners and anywhere he was needed.

After returning to this community, he hosted an annual deer hunt on his farm below the dam. It was attended by many of his acquaintances from his many years in the Chouteau area. This hunt continues to this day. He also enjoyed camping and fishing with his adopted family. Traveling to Red River and Canton Lake meeting new friends everywhere he went. Bill was well enough to spend the day and evening with his buddy, Jay and family, Christmas and New Years. He was looking forward to the Superbowl Party but his health took a turn for the worse and he had to settle for a mini party with Jay and Pam in the hospital. And what a game it was he hung in there to the end of the game as we celebrated with the Kansas City Chiefs!

Bill enjoyed life and lived each day to the fullest. I’m sure he’d like to tell you all; ‘Thanks for the memories!’ He appreciated fellowship, and friendship especially if snacking was included.

Funeral services were held at 2 p.m., Saturday, March 2, 2024 at the Canton Christian Church with Pastor Lucas White officiating. Interment was at Canton Cemetery under the direction of Pierce Funeral Home, Canton. Memorials are suggested to the Longdale Baptist Church Building Fund, Cavett Kids and the Canton Christian Church with the funeral home serving as custodian at P.O. Box 36, Canton, OK 73724. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.piercefuneralhomes.com.