After a lengthy battle with Covid, Billy Lehew passed away on Thursday, October 14th, 2021. God called him home while he was surrounded by his devoted wife Christi and his children Clay and Katelee.
Billy was born on January 21, 1963 to Tom and Polly Lehew in Sayre, Oklahoma. His childhood antics and escapades while growing up in Sweetwater, Oklahoma continued throughout his life. While in his late teens, Billy lost both his parents. Billy and his previous wife Brenda had three children, Clay, Tate and Katelee. Unfortunately, they lost their son Tate at the age of 3 months old. Billys late son Tate shared his same birthday. Some of Billy’s proudest moments include Clay’s marriage to his wife Brandi, and the graduation of his daughter Katelee from Oklahoma State University, where she obtained her master’s degree in 2020. He also became the adoring grandfather of Clay and Brandi’s children, Daxton and Lynnox. Nicknamed “Grumpa” by Christi before they were born, he loved to hear their tender voices call him by that name.
Billy was known to have a feisty personality. When it came to emotions, Billy freely expressed them. You always knew what he was feeling and where he stood. To say he never met a stranger is an understatement. From the age of 18, Billy worked his way up thru the oilfield industry to his current position in sales at Cudd Pressure Control. As a result of his work ethic, he often became close friends to the customers he served.
On a night out dancing with nieces and nephew, he met the love of his life, Christi. They danced the night away. It was a love for the ages. Billy and Christi were later married in an outdoor celebration on July 25th, 2014. A honeymoon in Ruidoso followed where Christi encouraged his children Katelee and Clay attend, along with Clay’s wife, Brandi. Billy fed Christi’s dreams and starved her fears. They shared interests in horses and Harleys. Those who followed social media knew of their past motorcycle trips with friends and their barrel racing and roping adventures. Billy always proved to be the real entertainment.
Waiting to greet Billy in heaven alongside his parents, are son Tate, mother-in-law Dolly Calhoun, his brothers, Glenn Harrell, Fred Harrell; sister Virgie Callen and his Cousin Lettie Lehew Carter. He is survived by his wife Christi, son Clay and wife Brandi, daughter Katelee, grandchildren Daxton and Lynnox, his sister Ruth Pyeatt, brothers Bud Harrell and Marvin Harrell. He also leaves behind his father-in-law and friend Rayford Calhoun, many nieces and nephews and hundreds of friends who loved him dearly.
The Lehews would like to thank all of their friends and family for the prayers, love and outpouring of support during this difficult time.
The family will receive guests from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
Pall bearers: Terry Locklar, Jeramiah Maynard, Brody Melton, Robert “Big Hoss” Shields, John Denney, Stevie Szedeli and Luke Williams.
Honorary Pallbearers: Marvin Harrell, Bud Harrell, Jeffrey Harrell, Kevin Harrell, Dale “Shorty” Callen, Les Pyeatt, Carl Pyeatt, Sid Armstrong, Rick Garcia, John Denney, Clinton Ellis, Rayford Calhoun, Nick Abbott, Terry Glover, Will Dodd.
In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to Special Olympics in honor of his late niece Donna Harrell.
Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.