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Billy Eugene Ralston II, also known as Bill, Bunk, and Bunky, of Durant, passed away with his family by his side on July 31, 2024, in Denison, Texas, at the age of 73. He was a cherished husband, father, grandfather (known as “Grumpy”), uncle, and friend.
He was born on July 23, 1951, in Pasadena, Texas, to Billy Eugene Ralston and Lula (Watkins) Ralston. He resided in La Habra, California for 21 years. In high school he was an active member in FFA and raised the Grand Champion Steer of Orange County. He married the love of his life, Linda Joy Endresen, on March 10, 1973, in Fullerton, California, and they moved to Stillwater, Oklahoma, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Oklahoma State University. He and Linda have been residents of Durant, Oklahoma for 45 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Durant, and throughout the years was involved in the Jeep Club, Masons, and Kiwanis.
He was the roofing contractor for many schools, libraries, and government buildings across Oklahoma, Texas, and California, as the owner of Ralston Roofing, Inc. He also founded Ralston Enterprises, Inc., a property management company. He had many passions beyond his work. A true motor enthusiast, he raced and built dragsters, jeeps, and four-wheelers, and was most fond of jeeps. He enjoyed jeep runs in the desert of California and he and Linda attended many jamborees.
He was the founder and crew chief of Ralston Racing with his cousin/brother David Ralston close by his side. Bill and Linda were proud supporters of the Atoka MotorSports Park for 32 years. His love for racing was contagious and he introduced and taught numerous people to race over the years. He loved to hunt with family and his closest friend of 51 years, Tommy Kramer. He was a pillar of strength, loved fiercely, and was always willing to lend a hand or solve a problem. He touched many with his generosity and will be deeply missed but never forgotten.
Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 51 years, Linda Ralston of the home, beloved children Billy of Dallas and Ashley Joy of Durant, grandchildren Endresen Joy and Esmae Grace, sister Reba Rummel of Avondale, Arizona, close cousins David Ralston of Clayton, Oklahoma and Charlotte Ralston of Durant, Oklahoma, and special longtime friend Tommy Kramer, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Preceding him in death are his parents, Billy and Lula Ralston, sister Rebecca Ward, and brother-in-law Dan Rummel.
A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 20, 2024, at First Baptist Church of Durant with Pastor Garry McNeill officiating. Honorary pallbearers include Tommy Kramer, David Ralston, Martin VanMeter, Kelly Watkins, Jerry Glass, and Mack Self.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southeastern Oklahoma State University Baptist Collegiate Ministry (BCM) Fund.
Services are under the direction of Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home, 121 North 5th Street, Durant, Oklahoma 74701.
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