Billy Joe Abney

Billy Joe Abney was born February 22, 1932, at Caney Boggy Creek in Stuart, Oklahoma, son of Everett and Ruby (Royster) Abney. He departed this life Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Thayer, Missouri at the age of 90 years, 8 months, and 10 days.  

Billy Joe graduated from Calvin High School in 1950.  Billy Joe joined the military service in 1954, after completing high school, and served in the U. S. Army during The Cold War. He was stationed in Cheltenham, England working for Special Ops in an underground bunker.  After the military, he moved to Arlington, Texas and joined the fire department, serving his community for fourteen years. Later he moved back home to Oklahoma where he was a painter and raised cattle on family land. He enjoyed fishing and coon hunting.  Billy Joe married Lora Mae Dowdy on October 1, 2001, in Melbourne, Arkansas.   

Survivors include three sons, Terry Abney of Ada, Oklahoma, James Harker of Cheltenham, England, and Bruce Abney of Kellyville, Oklahoma; three stepchildren, Kathy Pierce of Wichita, Kansas, Michael Smith of Heart, Arkansas, and Timothy Martin of Haughton, Louisiana; seven grandchildren, Teddy Abney, Tammy Anderson, Lisa Newby, Lindsey Abney, Joshua Abney, Jake Abney, and Jake Harker; six step grandchildren, Shelly Martin, Noble McFann, Josh Smith, Jake Smith, Timothy Martin II, and Katelyn Lee;  twenty-one great grandchildren; thirteen step great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends. 

Billy Joe was preceded in death by his wife (Lora Abney), parents (Everett and Ruby Abney), daughter (Sherry McCulley), and grandson (Sam Harker). 

Memorial services will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are under the direction of Barker Funeral Home, LLC in Salem, Arkansas.