Billy "Bill" Joe Walston, age 86, a longtime Atoka, OK resident, was born on Saturday, August 25, 1934, to Kenny "Bud" Buell and Veta Verna (Sanders) Walston, at Sasakwa, OK. Bill passed away on Sunday, November 8, 2020 at Atoka, OK. He graduated from Ada High School and attended Murray College. Bill's careers ranged from the oil field, to automotive care, to retiring from the Savannah Ammunition base. For many years, him and his wife owned and operated Walston's Tire and Alignment Center in Atoka. Bill joined the Marine Corps in 1954 enlisting in the Oklahoma Buddy Company. He served boot camp at Camp Pendleton in San Diego, CA. His overseas deployment was to Alaska and then to Japan where he served as medical supply truck driver, earning the rank of Corporal. During his time in Japan, he was awed and amazed by the sight of Mt. Fuji and often wished he could see the view from the top, so much so, he and some members of his squad got leave and actually climbed it. He enjoyed learning the culture, the language and local customs including local fishing methods. He married the love of his life JoAnn (Sweet) on Saturday, May 21st, 1955 at Lindsey, OK. They walked hand and hand with an enduring love for over 60 years before her passing. Bill was a member of Assembly of God for many many years. From his travels he had and loved to share stories of what he had seen and experienced. From his parents, he developed a great sense of humor. He loved a good joke and practical jokes and when they were pulled on him, he loved it and would plan revenge. No question that he loved his family and loved spending time with them. A man of many talents, he enjoyed gardening, quilting, woodworking, knife making, leather crafts, hunting, fishing, reading and in earlier days, playing "mumblety-peg" with his nephews. Bill was always open to learning new things and reflecting on historical events of the past.
Bill was survived by his son, Dennis Walston and wife Angela; daughter, Karen Walston-Wooten and husband Clif; grandsons, Logan Walston and wife Dian, Ben Walston, Billy Kyle Johnson and wife Ashley, Matt Waggoner and wife Laura, Brandon Waggoner and wife Tiana, AJ Wooten and wife Addison; granddaughters, Brittany Godi and husband Cole, Miranda Wooten; 6 great granddaughters; 9 great grandsons; sister, Venita Holbrook and husband Mickey; sisters in law, Betty Walston, Rozan Walston and Donnie Nichols; along with nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear and loved friends and special friend Evelyn Ali.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Bud and Veta Walston; wife, JoAnn Walston; great grandson, Kallen Johnson; sister, Juanita Bingham; brothers, Don, Jerry, Kenny and Kenneth Walston;
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DATE OF SERVICES: 10:00 AM Friday, November 13th, 2020
PLACE OF SERVICES: Brown's Funeral Chapel, Atoka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Bro. Sammy Vaughn
INTERMENT: Green Meadows Cemetery, Atoka, Oklahoma
CASKETBEARERS: Dennis Walston, Clif Wooten, Ted Nichols, Eddie Nichols, Randy Nichols, Billy Kyle Johnson
HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Bobby Sweet, Ernie Sweet, Logan Walston, Ben Walston, Randy Walston
CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET. PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY WILL RECEIVE FRIENDS, THURSDAY 6-8PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK