Luryl Jay “Butch” Biby passed away August 8, 2025, in Purcell, Oklahoma, at the age of 78 years 11 months 19 days. Memorial Services are scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday, August 16, 2025, at the Wadley’s Funeral Chapel, entrusted to the care of Wadley’s Funeral Service.
Butch was born August 20, 1946, in Altus, Oklahoma, to Grady Welcom and Emma Lee (Kirk) Biby. As one of six siblings, Butch grew up in Chickasha, Oklahoma, where he cultivated enduring bonds with his siblings.
On July 15, 1977, Butch embarked on a beautiful journey of love when he married Betty Moody in Cleveland County. A true businessman at heart, Butch worked at Gilt Edge and Coors before embarking on an entrepreneurial journey alongside his beloved wife, Betty, opening B&B Ice, a convenience store in Chickasha. Later, he founded and ran Canadian Valley Bait in Lexington, Okla., a family operated bait shop where his children and grandchildren worked side by side with him, packing worms and selling minnows.
Butch’s work ethic was unmatched. Even after retiring from the bait shop, he built his forever home in Purcell and began working on houses. Not long after, he took on a new role at McClain Bank, where he worked in maintenance for 18 more years before retiring once again.
Above all else, Butch loved his family deeply. Whether it was working together at the bait shop, spending weekends at the lake or trails, or simply sharing a meal, his greatest joy was being surrounded by those he loved. Beyond his professional accomplishments and devotion to his family, he was an avid outdoorsman, delighting in the thrill of mule riding, hunting, rodeos, and fishing, particularly appreciating the exhilaration of striper fishing on Lake Texoma.
He was a proud active member of the Purcell Indian Territory Round-Up Club, playing a key role in organizing the Purcell rodeo for many years. In recognition of his contributions, the club named the rodeo arena in his honor, a lasting tribute to his dedication. In addition to his love for the outdoors, Butch relished in slalom and trick skiing, camping, and embarking on trail rides through the mountains, fully embracing the beauty of nature.
He had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever he went, genuinely never meeting a stranger. Butch was a devoted church goer and always willing to lend a helping hand. Known for his generosity, he would give you the shirt of his back without hesitation. His legacy is one of kindness, service, and a tireless spirit that touched countless lives. Butch will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him, especially by the family he loved so fiercely and completely.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents, Grady and Emma Biby; his wife, Betty Biby; his sister, Delorus Ann Biby; his brothers, Grady Biby, Jr, Lucky Charlie Biby and Vernon Don Biby; his grandson, Andrew Biby; and his great-granddaughter, Haylee Jay McGinnis.
Survivors include his children, Rodney Biby, Janis Biby, Melissa Biby and Charlotte Coulter; his grandchildren, Cassidy Wheeler and husband, Matthew, Nathan Taylor, Chere Fielder, Janissa Chandler McGinnis and spouse, Curtis, Amanda Justice, Skylar Biby, Michael Biby, Tuff Burney and Aaron Biby; his great-grandchildren, Dylon, Dallas, Dalton, Caitlynn, Cameron, Catherine, Collin, Jade, Andrew, David, Patience, Justin, Kodi and CJ; his sister, Mary Biby; and numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.