Billy Eugene Giddings

The end of an era, Bill Giddings passed away to be with our Heavenly Father on July 29, 2016 at the age of 84 in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

He was born February 9, 1932 in Camden, Arkansas, the eldest of three sons of Roy and Gladys Giddings.

Bill grew up in Smackover, Arkansas where his work ethic was formed working in the local oil fields and was a multi-sport athlete for the Smackover Buckaroos. His athletic ability took him to the University of Arkansas where he played both Baseball and Football. Bill was able to continue his athletic endeavors in the U.S. Army and lastly with the St. Louis Cardinals organization.
In 1960, Bill took the opportunity to move to Tulsa to begin what became a successful 40 year career in the Insurance industry. Retiring in 2001, he and his wife Karen, moved to South Carolina where they spent 6 years playing more golf than most could squeeze into a lifetime. In 2008 they returned to Tulsa area, settling down at the Coves at Grand Lake O' the Cherokees. Along with continuing the pursuit of the perfect game of golf, they became active in the Blue House, a local charity, as well as meals on wheels and loved attending Church at Grace Point United Methodist Church in Cleora, Oklahoma. Bill remained active his entire life, whether it was sports, fishing, yard work, charity work or grilling out for the family, he wasn't going to let grass grow under his feet.

He was an exceptionally kind and caring man, often quiet and never boasting about his accomplishments. Instead, he preferred to talk about others: his wife, children, grandchildren and many great friends from Tulsa, the Grand Lake area and the Carolina's.

He was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Gladys Giddings. He is survived by his brothers Tommy Giddings of Metairie, LA; Jon Giddings of Okmulgee, Ok; son Jeff Giddings of Bixby, OK; son Jay Giddings and his wife Nootsie of Tulsa, Ok; step son Darren Ogee and his wife Tarra of Edmond, Ok; step daughter Karianne Whatley and her husband Jim of Broken Arrow; grandchildren Lex, Eric, Zachary, Cody and Jordan and great grandson sweet baby James.

A special thank you to all of the wonderful and loving caregivers at Inverness Village and Grace Hospice. Thank you so much for the love and attention you gave to Billy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Meals on Wheels.

A family visitation will be held in Tulsa Thursday evening, August 4th from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at Schaudt's Funeral Home located at 5757 South Memorial Drive. Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 5th at Grace Point United Methodist Church, Cleora campus, Cleora, Oklahoma.