Bill Blackard

Bill Dougan Blackard
It is with mixed emotions of sadness, gratefulness and joy that we share the news that on November 30, 2021, Bill Dougan Blackard, our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, died at age 87 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Sad that his big bear hugs are only felt now in our memories, grateful to have had his love and care throughout our lives, and joyful that he is without pain and with our Mom again.
Bill was born at home in Johnson County, Arkansas on September 6, 1934 to William Hurley "Dude" and Joyce Gertrude (Dougan) Blackard.
A longtime resident of Tahlequah, Oklahoma, Bill most recently resided at Baptist Village of Broken Arrow and had lived in Clarksville, Arkansas; Verdigris and Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Lexington, Kentucky. Bill had fond memories of growing up in rural Arkansas with his sister Jetta Martin (now of Plano, Texas), his brother Jim Blackard (wife Morine; now of Greenville, Texas), and lots of cousins and double cousins. He attended Sulphur Springs, a rural grade school in Arkansas where his grandmother was the cook, and graduated from Hartman (Arkansas) High School in 1951 at age 16. Bill attended College of the Ozarks, Clarksville, Arkansas, and Draughon's School of Business, Tulsa.
While they were both living in Tulsa, he met a sweet girl from Muskogee, Mary Margaret Trent. They were married August 19, 1955, at Immanuel Baptist Church, Tulsa. They enjoyed a full life together for 55 years until her death. Missing him today are his children Angela Swift (husband Mark), Tulsa; Hurley Blackard, Peggs; Dawn Fisher (husband Jim), Albuquerque; Lorrie Friet (husband Jay), San Diego; Ed Blackard (wife Penny), Russellville, Arkansas; as well as his grandchildren Jimmy Fisher (wife Alicia); Wendy (Fisher) Smith (husband Sean); Nicole (Bointy) Walls (husband James); Kristen (Swift) Williams (husband Cory); Emily (Blackard) Frazier (husband Clayton); Nicholas Blackard; William Friet; his 10 precious great grandchildren Patrick Bointy and Elizabeth Walls, James, Lacey, Sara and Mabel Fisher, Edward and Claire Smith, Chell and Atlas Williams; and numerous other family members and friends.
When recently asked what he did for a living through the years, Bill replied "Everything." He began his career at Joe Hodges Warehouse and Sargent Brothers both in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Other places of employment were Parker-Hannifin Corp, Lexington, Kentucky and G&H Decoys Inc, Henryetta, Oklahoma. He retired in 1996 as Vice President of Finance at Southwest United Industries, Tulsa, to focus on operating and expanding the business he and Mary owned, Arrowhead Camp and Pine Valley Cabins on the Illinois River, Tahlequah. He served as an Oklahoma Scenic River Commissioner.
He had an enthusiasm for business endeavors throughout the years often running a side business, such as shoe repair, ranching, business software development, in addition to his regular employment. He was co-owner for many years of Guy Engineering in Tulsa and at age 76 he began probably his most optimistic and successful project: converting a 9 acre hay field adjacent to Tahlequah City golf course into a beautiful residential neighborhood.
Bill loved to sing and was a devoted Christian. He and Mary were founders of First Baptist Church Verdigris. He served as Music Director, Deacon and Treasurer at several Baptist Churches. He was a proud member of the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma. A fierce competitor, he loved all games and sports, especially baseball and golf.
A friend said of Bill, "When meeting him for the first time, he made you feel like you were an old friend in just a few short minutes of being in his company."
Service Saturday, December 4, 2021, 2 pm, at First Baptist Church, 201 Ron Rice Ave, Tahlequah.
Committal at Molly Field Cemetery, 8219 N Highway 10, Tahlequah (immediately following the service).
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that you contribute to the Singing Churchmen of Oklahoma Ministry Fund. Contributions may be made by mail: Oklahoma Baptists, SCM Ministry Fund, 3800 N May Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73112 or by texting 833-942-3800, keyword 'worshipgroups'.