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William “Bill” Ray Stipes, a lifelong resident of the Locust Grove area and a true country man at heart, passed away on Friday, May 8, 2026, in Salina, Oklahoma, at the age of 72 years.
Bill was born on March 3, 1954, in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, to Johnny Stipes and Louise (Copeland) Stipes. Following the passing of his parents, Bill was lovingly raised by his Uncle Dewey Stipes and his wife, who became like second parents to him. He spent nearly his entire life in Locust Grove, where he built a life rooted in family, hard work, and the values of country living. He attended Ballou School and later Locust Grove Schools.
On February 24, 1977, Bill married the love of his life, Ruth Marie Pinegar. Together they shared nearly 40 devoted years of marriage before her passing on January 7, 2017. Their life together was built on love, loyalty, and a deep devotion to family.
Bill was a mason by trade, working alongside his family for many years. He was known as an incredibly hard worker—“as stout as an ox”—and was respected by all who knew him for his remarkable strength, work ethic, and determination.
A true outdoorsman, Bill found his greatest joy in nature. He loved hunting all kinds of wildlife and enjoyed fishing, though he kept his favorite fishing spot a closely guarded secret. He spent years raising game chickens, breaking horses, and training hunting dogs for others. His talents extended beyond the outdoors—Bill could play nearly any stringed instrument and loved singing old country music, especially songs by Hank Williams Sr., Johnny Cash, and George Jones, as well as traditional church hymns. He truly embodied the spirit of a country man and preferred the peace of the countryside over town life, only coming into town when absolutely necessary.
Bill attended church when his health allowed and held onto his faith throughout his life. Those who knew Bill will remember him as strong, honest, and undeniably country. He had a unique sense of humor—if he liked you, chances were he was picking on you. He was polite, especially to the ladies, and above all, he was a devoted family man who loved his family deeply and fiercely.
Bill is survived by: 3 children: Billy Stipes, Jr. of Locust Grove, Oklahoma, Kim Duran and husband Teddy of Las Vegas, Nevada, and Terry Amlong of Tulsa, Oklahoma; 14 grandchildren: Brendon Stipes, Brayton Stipes, Trenton Stipes, Rayden Stipes, Shane Brewster, Amber Brewster, Gary Butler, Jamie Blake, Shaina Butler, Damien Carver, Kendal Carver, T.J. Duran, Amy White and husband Bryson, Sherry Smith, 2 Sisters: Frances Dennis of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Mary Coger of Locust Grove, Oklahoma; Numerous great grandchildren; and several great-great grandchildren; Numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
He was preceded in death by: his parents: Johnny & Louise Stipes; his second parents: Dewey Stipes and his wife; Bill’s wife: Ruth Marie; 2 sons: Eddie Brewster and Jim Amlong; 1 daughter: Celina Sanders; 2 sisters: Caroline Copeland and Reba Downing; 5 brothers: Henry “H.D.” Copeland, Lucky Copeland, Carl Copeland, and Robert Copeland. Numerous other relatives and a host of friends.
Memorial Services will be held 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at the Locust Grove Funeral Home Chapel. Donations towards Bill’s funeral services can be made directly to the Locust Grove Funeral Home. Services have been entrusted to Locust Grove Funeral Home.
Memories, condolences, and tributes may be shared at www.locustgrovefuneralhome.com.
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