Billy Reese Strother
May 22nd, 1934 - August 22nd, 2025
Callahan-Edfast Mortuary & Crematory
5.22.1934 - 8.22.2025
Billy Reese Strother, 91, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2025, in Grand
Junction, Colorado.Born on May 22, 1934 to Robert and Georgia Strother, in
Waterproof, Louisiana, Billy spent his early years working alongside his father
on the cotton plantations. Those formative experiences instilled in him a strong
work ethic and resilience that would guide him throughout his life. In 1952 he
graduated from high school in Elk City, Oklahoma, where he lettered in football
and boxing. His athletic prowess earned him recognition from the Governor of
Oklahoma as one of the best football players in the state, an honor he carried
quietly with pride.
Following graduation, Billy's family relocated to North Dakota. There he met his
wife of 69 years, Peggy Joyce Hynek. The couple was married in Stanley, North
Dakota on July 1, 1956.
Billy began his lifelong career in the upstream sector of the oil and gas
industry as a roughneck in the oil fields of northwestern North Dakota. He moved
his growing family multiple times, following the exploration of crude oil and
natural gas throughout the Intermountain West region, finally settling in Grand
Junction, Colorado. Through dedication and hard work, he rose through the ranks
to managerial positions where he earned the respect and loyalty of his crews. He
also started his own business providing support services to the industry. Known
for his steady leadership and deep knowledge of the field, Billy retired at age
62 after decades of service to an industry that shaped much of his adult life.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Billy was a devoted husband to Peggy
and a loving father to their five children: Ron, Laurie, Robert, Scott, and
Craig. He cherished time spent with his seven grandchildren, eight great
grandchildren, and one great, great granddaughter, and took great joy in
watching them grow. Family was central to Billy's life; he was also close to his
sister Faye, brothers Garland and Rob, and his older sister Jean who preceded
him in death. He held dear the memory of his younger sister Irma who preceded
him in death as a young adult. His parents also had another daughter, Wanda Su,
who passed away as a child prior to Billy's birth.
Billy had a lifelong love of reading and especially enjoyed western and cowboy
fiction, a genre that reflected both his roots and his appreciation for stories
of grit and perseverance. He loved the outdoors and spent most days of his
retirement on long walks along the Colorado River, just steps away from their
home of 47 years. He also enjoyed traveling with his wife Peggy during their
retirement years, including a trip to Costa Rica celebrating their 50th wedding
anniversary, with some of their children and grandchildren.
Those who knew Billy remember him as a man of integrity and quiet strength, a
steady presence whose legacy lives on through those he loved.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him. A Celebration of Life will be
held on September 6, 2025, at 10:00 AM at Callahan-Edfast Mortuary, 2515
Patterson Rd, Grand Junction CO.
Publication date: August 30th, 2025