William “Bill” HeadleeEnid, OK

Bill was born on May 7, 1943, in Ashland, Kansas, to Calvin Ward Headlee and Virginia Clara (Frank) Headlee Province. He graduated from Freedom High School in Freedom, Oklahoma, before proudly serving in the United States Air Force from 1962 to 1966.

Following his military service, Bill built a career as a jet engine mechanic that took him around the world. He worked for Northrop at Vance Air Force Base and in Saudia Arabia as well as in the U.S. He moved to Taiwan while working with General Electric, and later worked for Advance Foods in Enid until retiring in 2013. Retirement, he joked, was his dream job. Along the way, he also owned Rainbow Vacuum of Woodward and later owned The Captain's Quarters, a neighborhood bar, after returning to Enid with his wife, Carrie.

Bill made homes in many places throughout his life—including Saudi Arabia, Taiwan, Baltimore, Maryland, Tucson, Arizona, San Antonio, Texas, and Woodward, Oklahoma—but Enid was always home. No matter where life took him, he eventually found his way back.

Bill married Leanna Kaye Grabow in 1966, and together they shared 31 years of marriage while raising their two children, Wade and Stormie. In 1998, he married Carrie Boehle, and they shared six years together.

Throughout Enid, Bill was simply known as "PaPa Bill." With a sparkle in his eye and an ornery sense of humor, he could tease with the best of them, and everyone knew it was his way of making you feel like family. He never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making everyone feel welcome.

One of Bill's greatest joys was staying connected with the people he loved. If Bill was thinking about you, your phone was probably going to ring. He was always picking up the phone to check on family and friends, asking how life was treating them, and making sure they knew someone was thinking about them. If you left Bill a message, you could count on him to return your call.

Blessed with a remarkable singing voice, Bill loved karaoke, and one of his favorite songs to perform was Paint Me a Birmingham. He rarely passed up an opportunity to entertain family and friends with a song. He enjoyed spending time at his favorite gathering place, 1421, where he made countless lifelong friends.

He was an avid sports fan, loved classic Western movies, and spent many years competing in local dart leagues. Whether he was singing a country song, cheering on his favorite team, throwing darts with friends, or simply sharing stories over a cup of coffee or a cold beer, Bill had a way of making people feel like they belonged.

Above all, Bill was one of the kindest people you could ever hope to meet. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and always chose kindness over criticism. His laughter, generosity, and genuine love for people left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Above all else, Bill loved his family. He was a caring father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His greatest legacy is the love he shared and the memories he created with those closest to him.

Bill is survived by his son, Wade Headlee and wife, Annie; his daughter, Stormie Headlee Keith; his beloved grandchildren, Jacobi Headlee, Sam Keith, and Heather Keith; his brothers, Steve Headlee and Marty Province; his sister, Elaine Walker; many cherished nieces and nephews; and countless lifelong friends who became family.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Calvin Ward Headlee and Virginia Clara (Frank) Headlee Province; his brother, Paul Headlee; and his sisters, Genevera Powell, Ginger Forbes, and Verla Peetoom.

Though the music has faded, the echoes of Bill's laughter, his songs, his teasing, and his kindness will continue to live in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved "PaPa Bill." His final song may have ended, but the melody of his life will play on in the memories of those who were blessed to know him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Bill has been laid to rest at High Point Cemetery in Buffalo, Oklahoma.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Shriners Children’s.

A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, September 3, 2026, at Amy Stittsworth Funeral Home in Enid, Oklahoma.