William Blackford

William "Bill" Carl Blackford, Jr., passed away in Joplin, MO, on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at the age of 73. Bill was born in Detroit, MI, the son of the late William Carl Blackford, Sr. and Eva (Asfour) Blackford. Bill grew up in Jay, OK starting at the age of 4 and graduated from Jay High School in 1956. After graduation Bill joined the United States Air Force and served his country for 4 years until being honorably discharged in 1960. Bill got married after the service and lived in the Jay area until his father passed away. In 1964 he moved to Santa Barbara, CA where he became a police officer and later became sheriff of Santa Barbara County. Bill was well known and was passionate with his magic. He would carry tricks with him where ever he would go. No one escaped his amazing magic. He will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister Rose Samra. He is survived by his three sons: Eric Blackford, Todd Blackford, and Billy Blackford; one brother Ray Samra of Grove, OK; three nieces: Donna Rae Garcia and her husband Eddie of Arlington, TX, Janis Hagerdon of Clearwater, FL, Carol Cantrell and her husband Ron of Rio Vista, CA; and one nephew Mike Steen and wife Pam of Lubbock, TX. The graveside service for Bill's ashes will be held at the Duffield Cemetery in Jay, OK on Monday, June 18, 2012 at 10AM. Arrangements are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK. Friends and family may leave notes of encouragement by viewing Bill's Book of Memories at www.honoringmemories.com.

Service Details

Monday, June 18th, 2012 10:00am, Graveside

Interment Details

Duffield Cemetery