Billy Jo "Pistol" Thornton

Billy Jo “Pistol” Thornton, 85, passed away on February 17, 2026.

Born on July 17, 1940, and raised in Purcell, Oklahoma. He learned the value of hard work at an early age. As a young man, he ran a dairy before eventually moving to Texas, where he met his bride of 57 years, Angela Cave. They built a life in Warsaw and lived there for over 40 years before moving to Miller Grove to be closer to his pride and joy, the grandkids.

Bill worked for the Dallas Independent School District in the HVAC Department, earning a reputation as a dependable, hardworking man. He also dedicated more than 40 years to the State Fair of Texas in the Livestock Department, serving generations of exhibitors and families.

A cowboy through and through, Bill was a bull rider and spent countless days and nights working horse shows and judging what friends would say were “a million rodeos.” He was instrumental in helping establish the Lonestar High School Rodeo Association, opening doors for young competitors and passing down the values of discipline, grit, and integrity that he believed in so strongly.

He loved anything and everything, rodeo — the arena dirt, the stock, the competition, and the camaraderie. Bill was known for being laid back and easygoing, always ready with a story or a quiet smile — unless you crossed him. They didn’t call him “Pistol” for nothing.

When he stood his ground, you knew it. He carried himself with strength and was always ready for a good time.

Above all else, Bill loved his family. Whether at a rodeo, gathered around a table, or simply spending time together, those were the moments he treasured most. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Dora Thornton; his sisters, Christine, AnnaBelle, Francis, and Shirley; his father-in-law, Robert Cave; his mother-in-law, Elaine Nalls; and her husband Nathan.

He is survived by his loving wife, Angela Thornton; his daughter, Karen Darr and husband Matt; his son, Bryan Thornton and wife Jenni; his cherished grandchildren, Mackelvey Leone and her husband Nathan, Cason Thornton, and Cash Thornton; his brothers, Don Thornton and Marvin Thornton and wife Linda; his sister, Delta and husband Jim Moffat; brother in law Gary Cave and wife Patty and countless nieces, nephews, and cousins. Bill’s boots may be set aside, but his spirit rides on in every arena and in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Elite Youth Rodeo Association