Billy Joe Tompkins

Billy died Saturday, October 13 in Norman.

He was born January 11, 1943, to Mack and Lorena (Rollins) Tompkins in Purcell.

Billy graduated from Washington High School and took his first job as a school bus driver to have money for gas. On August 2, 1961, he and Charlene Nemec were married in Norman. He was a custodian at Madison Elementary where he cherished working with the children and received numerous thank you letters from the kids. Billy worked for the Norman Fire Department for 21 years retiring as a captain. While working as a firefighter, on his days off, he would lay carpet. He worked best in a crisis situation and was the first to sign up to be an EMT which is where he earned the nickname of “Quack.”

Billy coached his grandchildren’s softball teams. He loved playing games with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He played golf with his son and retired firefighter friends.

Billy was a happy, family man and never met a stranger. He was “a jack of all trades and a master of none.”

He is survived by his wife Charlene of the home; his son, Michael Thurston Tompkins; his daughter, Kathy Lynn Nixon and her husband, Randy; his sister Lois Annesley and her husband, Kenny; his brother Randel Tompkins and his wife, Ella; three granddaughters, Taryn Annesley, her husband Tim, Emma Nixon, Taylor Tompkins; and grandson, Adam Nixon; three great-grandsons, Hudson, Cooper and Brooks; and a large extended family.

He was preceded in death by his son, Marty Tompkins and his parents, Mack and Lorenea Tompkins.

Services have been entrusted to the care of Primrose Funeral Service. For on-line condolences, visit primrosefuneralservice.com.