William Howard Bock

William “Billy” Howard Bock was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on June 30, 1964, to Joel and Sandra Bock, the youngest of three boys. From the beginning, Billy brought a spark to the lives around him - a quick wit, a mischievous sense of humor and a genuine warmth that would become hallmarks of the man so many loved.

Billy was raised in Oklahoma City. He demonstrated unwavering dedication and leadership in achieving Scouting’s highest honor, Eagle Scout in his early teens and was an accomplished competitive golfer. He graduated from Heritage Hall High School in 1982, where he met the love of his life, Holly Shons. Their story began as high school sweethearts and grew into a marriage built on friendship, respect, admiration, laughter, loyalty and a love that was unmistakable to everyone who knew them.

After high school, Billy proudly attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity. After too much fun at OU and lots of back-and-forth between Norman and Stillwater, where Holly attended Oklahoma State University, Billy ultimately earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Central Oklahoma. He then graduated from Oklahoma City University, School of Law in 1988 with his Juris Doctor.

Billy wasted no time beginning his legal career. Shortly after passing the bar, he opened his own firm, with his first trial coming soon thereafter, sitting alongside his father-in-law as his client in a civil lawsuit. Billy won the case. With a favorable verdict in hand and a big dose of confidence, he bought his first desk for the office and never looked back.

Billy eventually transitioned his litigation focus to criminal defense, where he built a highly successful practice, appearing in municipal, state and federal courts. He took tremendous pride in being a zealous advocate for his clients, but his gift went beyond the courtroom. He had an extraordinary ability to connect with people. He built genuine relationships with opposing counsel, law enforcement, the bench, his associate, Michelle Greene, with whom he practiced for over twenty-five years and his clients who he listened to, fought for and made them feel seen. Over his career, he litigated some of the most high-profile cases in the state, earning a reputation for his skill, tenacity, determination and unwavering commitment to those he represented.

But no victory in a courtroom could ever compare to the love and pride Billy had for his family. In 1987, Billy married his best friend, Holly Shons Bock. Together, they built the greatest part of his life: a family with their three beautiful and talented daughters, Hayley, Milly, and Elly. Billy lived for his girls. He often joked about being surrounded by women- with only a boy dog as his ally - but the truth was, he wouldn’t have had it any other way. He was the perfect girl dad- a steady guide, their rock, and a constant cheerleader. If you knew Billy, you knew his girls. And if you knew his girls, you knew just how deeply they were loved by their dad. Understanding any future husband has big shoes to fill, Billy welcomed Tanner France, as his first son-in-law with open arms.

His family was his first priority, always. He was endlessly proud of his daughters and cherished every stage of their lives. His love for Holly was equally evident. She was his partner, his home, and the person with whom he wanted to share all of life’s adventures. Their love was not simply something Billy talked about; it was something he lived every day.

And then there was the lake. Billy loved Grand Lake of the Cherokees. He prided himself on never missing a weekend in the summer. His idea of a perfect day was waking up early to take advantage of glass-like water, his perfectly curated playlist and a wakeboard ride behind his boat (always finicky about the driving), spending the day floating with friends and family and ending the evening watching the sunset from a patio-raising a glass with the people he loved most.

Billy loved to have fun and, even more, he loved making sure everyone else was having fun too. If he wasn’t at the lake, he could be found cheering on his Sooners, pounding ball after ball on the driving range, playing tennis or sitting down for a meal at some hole-in-the-wall or his favorite steakhouse. The setting never mattered nearly as much as the people sitting around the table. Although, if you knew him, you know, he fancied himself a foodie.

He was clever and astute, had a contagious spirit and a genuine heart for people. Billy could make you laugh when you least expected it, make an ordinary moment memorable, and make you feel like you had known him forever. He was larger than life in the best possible way.

Billy is preceded in death by his parents, Sandra and Joel Bock; his father-in-law, Dr. Kenneth Shons; and his brother-in-law, Dr. Pete Carter.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Holly Bock; his daughters, Hayley France, Milly Bock, and Elly Bock; his son-in-law, Tanner France; his brothers, Drs. David and Alan Bock; sisters-in-law Lynne and Sue Bock, Linda Carter and Susan Shons; his mother-in-law, Sandra Shons; nieces and nephews, Charlie Bock, Hannah Lewis, Janie Rolsky, Laura Bock, Sally Bock, Julie Bock, Elaina Carter, Michelle Carter, Erica Carter, Will Shons, Claire Shons and cherished other friends and family.

Billy’s absence will be felt in countless ways, but nowhere will he be missed more deeply than by Holly and his girls, the people who were the center of his world and the greatest source of his happiness.

The sunsets will never quite be the same without Billy. But, he would tell us to never stop enjoying them. He would tell us to keep trying. To laugh. To enjoy each other. To slow down for a delicious meal. To take the boat out. To cheer loudly for the Sooners. To make time for the people we love and to finally, raise your glass.

So that is what we will do.

For Billy- for the husband who loved Holly with his whole heart, for the dad who adored his three girls, for the friend who made every gathering better and for the man who taught so many of us how to live a little bigger and laugh a little louder, we will raise our glasses. And we will love you always.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the charity of your choice.