1932-2018
The world became a brighter place on April 11, 1932 when a boy was born to Orville and Viola Wolf in a small farmhouse near Meno, Oklahoma. Billy Edward Wolf learned many life lessons growing up on the farm, and with his infectious smile and easy-going manner, was a popular young man. He excelled in basketball and baseball, as well as in farming, and was named “Oklahoma Wheat King” while at Ringwood High School. He attended Phillips University in Enid, and soon thereafter met his first wife, Kay Marilyn Hill of Drummond. Duty to his country called, and he was proud to serve in the Air Force. He and Kay married, and parented Tresa Ann and Craig Edward. Leaving the farming life, he was the owner of many businesses centered around oil and gas. After Kay’s death in 1969 following a long illness, Bill married Rose Marie Doll, whom he had known while in high school, and the family grew with the addition of her and her daughter, Patricia Ann. Moving to Oklahoma City, Bill, Rose, Tresa, Patty, and Craig began life in the big city.
It’s important to note that Bill was not motivated by material possessions. When he said yes to King Jesus at the age of 25, he was all in. His life decisions were thereafter made by his deep faith and his love for God and people. He and Rose took five beautiful young ladies into their home and raised them as their own. Mary Cora Harris became a lifelong member of the Wolf clan, and generations have been blessed. He spent many years working as a volunteer minister and youth director, touching countless lives of young people setting out on their own journeys of life and faith. He had a special place in his heart for the poor and was entrusted with an unforeseen opportunity to minister to the inmates at the El Reno Federal Penitentiary for a year. Later years found him giving of his time to the elderly, praying with and encouraging those who were ready to make the passage from this life to the next. Bill had an intense interest in missions, both abroad and in the States, and led many mission trips. He mentored young couples and was asked to perform several wedding ceremonies. It is no understatement to say that if you met Bill, you had a friend.
Family was of the utmost importance to Bill. He is survived by Rose, his wife of 48 years; his children Tresa Black; Patty Currey; Craig Wolf and his wife, Debbi; and Mary Harris and her husband, Charlie. Grandchildren include Laurie Black; Tara Ellis and her husband, Jared; Candice Currey; Nicholas Wolf; Lydia Wolf; Johanna Miller and her husband, Jared; April Aubert and her husband, Erick; Stormey Moyer and her husband, Chris; and Chance Harris and his wife, Marie.
Bill’s great-grandchildren include Sophia and Juliette Steunebrink; Saige Ellis; Mason and Landon Hejl, and Alex Aubert; Destiny, Brennen, and Trenidey Moyer; and Dillinger Harris. In passing, Bill was re-united with his precious great-granddaughter, Eisley Harris, who preceded him in death.
On January 24, 2018 Bill breathed his last, literally while praying to his Lord. The world became a sadder place for a moment, but as the light of his life began to shine in the hearts of those who knew him, the brightness returned. His legacy will live on in the lives of those he eternally touched.
There will be a celebration of Bill’s life at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, at the Memorial Road Church of Christ, 2221 East Memorial Road in Edmond. A viewing will take place on Friday, February 2, at the Matthews Funeral Home, 601 South Kelly Avenue in Edmond, from noon to 8 p.m. with family present from 6 to 8 p.m.
Our prayers are with the family.
May the Peace of God fill your hearts.
Ken & Linda
I enjoyed reading about Bill’s life and it fills in a lot of missing pieces over the years like why are the Wolf’s such wonderful people.
Craig is my best friend and as I share his grief, a strange sweet sadness has flowed around a life well lived has reached my heart.
God bless the Wolf’s.
I have fond memories of Bill. I hope you feel peace and strength from the prayers of myself and everyone who is lifting your family in prayer.
My prayers for the family. May your wonderful loving memories of Bill help lighten your grief.
I am proud to say I knew Bill and considered him a friend for over 40 years. Was always a joy to talk with he and Rose whom I will always consider family. Blessings to his family….
Our thoughts and prayers are with Craig and his entire family.