Billy Ray Burge

Billy Ray Burge, age 57 of Marietta, OK passed away on September 9th, surrounded by the love of his family. He was a devoted husband, dad, Gramps, and loyal friend. Billy lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering integrity, quiet strength, and an unshakable commitment to those he loved the most.

Born April 26, 1969, as a young child he found love, guidance, and stability in the nurturing embrace of his grandparents, Al and Cora Lehman. Their influence helped instill the strong work ethic and determination that would remain with him throughout his life.

He grew up in Marietta and graduated from Turner High School with the class of 1988. As a teenager, Billy met the love of his life and best friend, Sissy Hartman Burge. He found the girl he would spend the rest of his life with, but Billy also gained a family who welcomed him with open arms and loved him unconditionally. Johnny and Connie Hartman became so much more than in-laws to Billy; they became the parents of his heart. He cherished them deeply, and their unwavering love, encouragement, generosity and support left a lasting imprint on his life and helped shape the man he became. After their passing, Billy often said he had lost his Mom and Dad- a simple but powerful testament to the profound bond they all shared.

Billy and Sissy married on September 12, 1992, two young kids who had more dreams than they had money, but they had one another and that was enough. Billy proudly told people that he married his high school sweetheart and his best friend - Sissy was his rock. They spent 40 years together standing side by side, through life‘s greatest celebrations and it’s most difficult days, never wavering from the promises they made to one another. Together, they built a life filled with family, hard work, laughter, adventure, and more memories than can ever be counted.

Billy dedicated 25 years to Peterbilt Motors before retiring in 2024. He took tremendous pride in his work and was the definition of dependable. At home, he earned another title, “Mr. Fix It.” There wasn’t anything that Billy couldn’t build, repair, or figure out. If something was broken, he studied it until he found a way to make it work. That determination and resourcefulness were simply part of who he was.

An outdoorsman at heart, Billy found some of his greatest joy in deer hunting, crappie fishing, and the challenge of calling in that gobbler on a crisp Spring morning. What made those moments truly special, though, was sharing them with his boys. Whether they were sitting quietly in a deer stand, dropping a line for crappie, or waiting for the gobbler to answer his call, the memories they made together were the real trophies Billy treasured most.

Billy enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson and exploring the country with Sissy. Their adventures took them through 19 different states, including the 75th Anniversary Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Traveling together wasn’t just something they enjoyed, it was simply who they were. They chased new roads, beautiful views, and unforgettable adventures conquering the Tail of the Dragon, Pikes Peak, the Pig Trail, the Million Dollar Highway, and the Twisted Sisters. Each journey became another treasured chapter in the story, they built together.

Whether on two wheels chasing the next winding road or sailing toward a new horizon, Billy and Sissy were always ready for the next adventure together. They shared a love for cruising and eventually passed that love onto their family. Together, they traveled to ports throughout Mexico, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, Hawaii, and the Caribbean. Billy was especially proud to recently achieved Carnival Platinum status-a bucket list accomplishment earned after 12 cruises and 79 nights at sea.

For Billy, however, the destinations were never really the point. Whether he was standing beside the ocean, sitting around a campfire, riding down an open highway, checking his cows, or sailing away, what mattered most was who was beside him. Billy believed that family was not defined simply by blood, but by love, loyalty, and showing up for one another. He lived that belief every day.

Of all the roads, Billy traveled and all the journeys he took in his life, none were more important than the one that led him to Jesus Christ. In the final chapter of his earthly journey, Billy took the most important step of all - Accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. It was a decision that brought peace, hope, and the promise that his greatest journey was not ending, but only just the beginning.

Billy is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Sissy Burge; his sons, Trevor Burge and wife Conner of Burneyville, OK; Trenton Burge and wife Chelsea, of Thackerville, OK; and Trayce of the home; his treasured grandchildren, Brynlee Burge, Brycen Burge, and two more blessings on the way; honorary daughter, Heloisa Rodriguez of Dallas, TX; his special aunt and uncle, Ruth and Rick Mitchum of Plano, TX; sister-in-law, Melodie Nichols and husband Jerry of McKinney, TX; best friend, Joe Locke and wife Chrissy; life long friend, Diane Bond and husband Tim of Springer, OK; along with numerous extended family members and dear friends, who were fortunate enough to be loved by him.

He was proceeded in death by his father, Bill Rowell; his beloved grandparents, Al and Cora Lehman; and his in-laws, Johnny and Connie Hartman whom he loved and considered his own parents.

Billy’s legacy will never be measured by possessions or accomplishments. It lives in the people he loved and the life he built around them. He will be remembered for his unwavering loyalty, grateful heart, stubbornness, determination, incredible work ethic, generosity, and the way he treasured the family who chose him and those he chose in return.

In accordance with Billy‘s wishes, a portion of his ashes will be interred at sea during a private service, honouring the countless memories they made together on the ocean. The remainder will be lovingly kept by Sissy until the day they can be laid to rest together.

Billy’s Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at Marietta First Baptist Church. The day also marks Billy and Sissy’s wedding anniversary- a fitting day to honor a life well lived and the enduring love that they shared throughout their 34 years of marriage. Visitation will be held Friday evening from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Marietta First Baptist Church.

Honorary pallbearers will be Jamie Roberts, Joe Locke, John Flack, Floyd Lehman, Tom Harris, Phil Wolf, & Kris Crews.

Billy cared for the Burneyville Cemetery for many years, and in addition to his regular maintenance work he generously volunteered his time to support the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and as a way to honor his work ethic, generosity, and commitment to his community, the family asked that those wishing to honor Billy’s memory, consider making a donation to the Burneyville Cemetery Fund, 9071 Caspian Ln, Burneyville, OK 73430.