• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Bell Mortuary

Serving families in the Montana communities of Glasgow, Nashua, Poplar, Fort Peck, Hinsdale, Saco, Scobey, Richland, Larslan, Glentana, Opheim, Frazer, Wolf Point, Fort Kipp, Malta & Culbertson

  • Recent Obituaries
  • Search Obituaries

For Immediate Help Call 406-228-2112

In Memory Of

William “Billy” Stockton, age 76, of Glasgow, Montana

July 16, 1945 – October 8, 2021

William “Billy” Stockton, age 76, passed away in Glasgow, Montana on October 8, 2021.

Many friends say Billy was born 200 years too late. A consummate cowboy and rugged outdoorsman, he was legendary in his ability to live and survive under severe outdoor challenges. Even though he sometimes came across as a hardened, tough woodsman, he could cast a dry fly as delicately as any pro, and his ability to recite cowboy poetry kept people at the edges of their seats. Billy was considered one of the best big game outfitters in the west, specializing in black bear and elk hunts.

He and his wife Susie raised their family a stone’s throw from the Big Hole River, in a home which was heated by a single potbellied wood stove. He enjoyed his reputation as a top outfitter by writers who published articles about him in many national magazines. A firearms company named a gun after him called “Mountain Boss.” A prominent knife company produced a knife named after and designed by Billy. He had several vehicles in his yard, each having a specific name. He loved working with leather and with Susie they made belts, chaps, horse gear and cowboy boots that were in high demand.

Of course, no person could really be considered a cowboy if he didn’t participate in rodeo. He was the National Senior Pro Rodeo Association’s All-Around Champion in 1995. Billy worked as a cowboy as a young man and loved rodeos. Tragically, Billy was bucked off a horse in an Old Timer’s rodeo in Drummond, Montana in 2009 and was severely injured, completely losing his vision. The address of his house was “10th And Plum.”  Ten miles out and plumb back in the brush!

Billy was proceeded in death by his son, Mark and is survived by his daughters Robin Richardson and Wendy Stockton. He had many close friends over the years and will be missed by many. I hope he and Benny Reynolds and Rodney Nelson are still having fun! A service to Celebrate Billy’s life is being planned for next summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Senior Pro Rodeo crisis fund. Please mention Billy.

 

NSPRA

2015 W Wickenburg Lane

Wickenburg, AZ  85390

Service Schedule

Service Schedule

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos

Reader Interactions

Memories

Read the thoughts and memories, then feel free to add your own.

  1. Sandy Dungan says

    October 12, 2021 at 3:41 pm

    Thinking of Bill’s family and of him. A very fun lovin guy. Hope he and Ronny get together at the Rodeo in the sky and have a good visit. Say hello for me. Sandy

  2. Jamie Byrne says

    October 15, 2021 at 7:08 pm

    I feel blessed to have known Billy and consider him a mentor in both the rodeo arena and the outfitting business. Wendy, Susie, Robin, enjoyed the great times we had together love and miss you all.

Add your thoughts and memories.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Primary Sidebar

Service Schedule

Share

Share this! Tweet this! Email this!

Send flowers

Please visit the floral shop page for assistance in choosing a local florist.

Photo Gallery

Share your photos

  • Archives
  • Monuments
  • Family Assistance
  • Search Obituaries
  • Contact Us
  • Find A Grave National Search

© 2022 · Bell Mortuary · Website by Luci's Office