October 16, 1944 ~ June 4 2017
Billy "Bill" Lee Orr, a cherished family member, and respected resident of Durant, Oklahoma, passed from this life on Sunday June 4 2017, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 72 years 7 months and 19 days. Bill was born in Kansas City, Kansas to Bill H. and Grayce (Peacock) Orr. He married his beloved Yolanda Taylor in Mead, Oklahoma on September 2, 2000.
Bill graduated from High School in Alamogordo, New Mexico, where he played drums in the school band, he continued his family’s tradition of higher education by attending Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and graduated in 1966. Bill dedicated most of his life to education, teaching at the Durant High School for over 30 years, during that time he was a member and officer of the Durant Education Association. He also worked part-time for the Lake Patrol, and Highway Patrol. In 1990 he was named tag agent for the Durant Tag Office. Bill believed in serving, and supporting his community, dedicating much of his time as a Masonic member of the Durant Lodge. He grew up with a strong moral code, and was naturally drawn to organizations like the Mason's DeMolay, and the Boy Scouts of America, earning the prestigious designation of Eagle Scout. He joyfully spent the last three years serving on the Durant City Council. He also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Lake Textooma, he loved classic cars, especially his 1960's Thunderbird, he would always say:” all I lack is finishing it."
Mr. Orr is survived by his sweetheart Yolanda of the home; sister, Karen Stolz and husband John of Denver, Colorado; sons, Matt Orr of Mead, Oklahoma, and Casey Orr and wife Krista of Chattanooga, Tennessee; step-daughters, Holly Taylor of Durant, Oklahoma, Brandy Taylor of Denver, Colorado, Jennifer Taylor of Durant, Oklahoma, and Cheryl Denney and husband Joe of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; mother-in-law, Margie Brown of Durant, Oklahoma; brother-in-law, Rex Brown of Arlington, Texas; grandchildren, Jenner Orr of Durant, Oklahoma, Evelyn Orr of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Valorie Taylor of Durant, Oklahoma, and Sammy and Maddy Denney of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Mr. Orr was preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Grayce Orr.
Bill's family respectfully request that in lieu of flowers memorials be made to the Bill Orr Memorial Fund through the City of Durant to build splash pads for the city’s parks.
A memorial service with friends and family fellowship immediately following in honor of Bill's life will be held at the Durant Middle School (formerly Durant High School), 802 W. Walnut, Durant, at 11:00 AM Saturday June 10th with Police Chief David Houser, Roger McGehee, and Mayor Jerry Tomlinson officiating.
Family and friends may send online condolences and view tributes at www.holmescoffeymurray.com .
Services are under the direction of Holmes Coffey Murray Funeral Home, Durant, Oklahoma.