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Billy Walkabout Obituary
Billy was born into the Cherokee Nation on March 31, 1949, in Cherokee County, Okla.
Billy was the son of Warren Walkabout and Bobby Jean (Chaudoin) Walkabout.
He was married to Juanita Medbury-Walkabout on April 3, 2000.
Billy was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Legion of Valor, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Amy Rene; father, Warren Walkabout and mother, Bobby Jean; and brothers, James Henry and Warren Gene.
Billy is survived by his wife Juanita; two sons, Justin and Trista Walkabout and his children, Autumn and twin boys, David and Michael, Vivian and Abbey; and Jason Knapp and his daughters, Madison and Emily; five step-children, Lisa her husband, Peter Bernier, Mark McNicol, Donna and her husband, Andres Vasquez, Randi Johnson, and Gregory Curtis, Randy and his wife, Debra McNicol; and nine grandchildren, Aimee, Corey, Michael, Stephanie, Magdelena, Madeline, Chrystal, Kevin, and Andrew; and a great-grandchild, Haley and her mother, Sabrina. Billy is also survived by his step-father, Jess Phillips Sr.; sister, Michelle Cordial; brother, Jess Jr. and his wife, Twila; brother-in-law, William C. Medbury and his wife, Katherine, and sister-in-law, Stacy Dufresne and husband, John; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Billy honored himself, his family, and the Cherokee Nation during the Vietnam War serving in Co. F 58th Infantry, 101 Airborne Div., and was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions, retiring as a second lieutenant.
Calling hours will be held from 2 to 4 p.m., and 7 to 9 p.m. on Monday, March 12, 2007, at Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich. A memorial service will be held at the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, March 13, 2007.
Donations in memory of Billy Walkabout may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
The Church and Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, is entrusted with arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Billy Walkabout
Sponsored by AUTUMN RAIN EYES.
Harry Simpson
March 7, 2022
Rest Billy Bob, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation. U.S. Army, Vietnam. Distinguished Service Cross recipient and other awards. So go you now Billy Bob to a place only heroes see.
johnny windsor
March 4, 2022
A good friend from grade school ,. Lived across the street on SW 51 I am a blood brother with both Warren and billy
March 4, 2019
Billy and Warren were friends of mine
Susan Benedict
January 25, 2019
Thank you for your service sir. May God Bless you and keep you near. May you rest in peace.
Gail Terry
July 22, 2018
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE! RIP
Michael Traupman
May 27, 2018
I did not know you.
But, I will remember you.
johhny Windsor
January 18, 2018
I ve written several time now. billy was a friend i will never forget . everytime headed west bound i40 i see the sign billy walkabout memorial highway i salute you billy . afriend forever
Becci Hartsock-Feaster
January 17, 2018
Thank you for your service, Sir. Your story will live on.
Joyce Jeffries
August 4, 2017
I wish I could have met Billy Bob, I deeply appreciate his service and his life. He is a TRUE HERO. I'm sure he is reaping great rewards in the Spirit World. Thank you for your bravery and courage. Blessings to all your family in their great loss.
Annie Haroldson
May 30, 2016
Wow words cannot express my appreciation for Billy and the honorableBay man that he was
LOUIE RIOS
December 24, 2015
I believe I met Sgt.Walkabout.I was @ LETTERMAN GENERAL HOSPITAL,PRESIDIO SAN FRANSICO in 1969.Recovering from wounds,but I was able to get around,a nurse asked me to help feed a patient.
The patient was not able to use his hands,as they were both bandaged and had stomach wounds.Recall talking between feeding that he wanted to stay in the military.I'm thinking NO WAY,he could get 100% disability.
Met again a months later in medical holding company.He was in full uniform 101th patch and chest full of ribbions.We talked and he told me that the Army was letting him to stay.He was quite pleased.
Johnny Windsor
December 8, 2014
Billy was a true american hero , A friend we climbed trees together , played catch on Sw 51 he is missed by all whom knew him.
Patrick Mead
December 5, 2014
I was a friend of Billy's brother Warren at Ft Bragg in 1967. He was a good friend, even though we only knew each other for about 6 months. He would sometimes mention his little brother Billy. He was one of the toughest men I have ever known. I guess it runs in the family. R.I.P. To a couple of warriors.
Johnny Windsor
June 25, 2011
I grew up with Billy and Warren Walkabout on brook creek and SW 51 1959 -1964. Billy and I rode bikes to Jefferson JH Daily We went to high school together At US Grant HS . I and Roger Clary spoke with Billy soon after his return from Vietnam ,we heard all the horrors Billy lived with . Warren 3 time State champion. Billy and Warren helped toughen up me a skinny kid while running thru the woods on SW 51 . I will never forget Billy and Warren Walkabout, I am proud and honored to call them friends
Marcia Duval
November 13, 2010
Autumn Rain Eyes,
I met you at the HBA Luncheon at Holy Trinity Church. You were placing a leaf on the tree in memory of your Dad. I googled his name as you suggested, and I am writing to first, offer my condolences and second, to say how deeply moved I was by the testimony I read regarding the man who was Billy Walkabout as well as his heroic actions. I believe people come into our life paths for a reason. Sorry to say I had never heard about Billy Walkabout. Meeting you enlightened me to the fact that a true hero lived so very close to me.
I will continue to learn about this extraordinary man, so I may share the knowledge with others.
Marcia Duval
[email protected]
Robert Seamans
January 7, 2010
I was just made aware of Billy's death
just recently and wanted to express my condolences to his family, I was stationed at Fort Sill, OK, in 1971 when he returned from Vietnam, I was just a young PFC, at the time, and he took me under his wings, and became a dear friend of my until he was discharged from the Army, I often think about him because he was someone special, may he rest in peace, he was a very proud man and had the right to be, he was truly an American Hero, and will be missed by all that had the pleasure to meet him
Robert A Seamans
Sabrina Chapman
November 26, 2009
Grandpa, I cant believe it's been almost 3 yrs since we lost you, you'd be so proud of haley shes gotten so big and so smart. im in college now and i know youd be proud of me to. you would be so proud of grandma too, shes helped me so much. theres not a day that goes by that i dont think about you. just some thoughts cuz i was thinking of you. love you and miss you so much grandpa.
Donna Lynn McNicol-Vasquez
May 24, 2009
Be Still
Be still like the grass on a melancholy summer day
Be still like desert shrub.
Be calm and you will hear your loved one speak, in the stillness, in the calm, their love resounds.
If you are still this promise I make, you will hear the voice of your loved one helping you along your way.
Sabrina Chapman
November 4, 2007
PLEASE DONT SING SAD SONGS FOR ME>FORGET YOUR GRIEF AND FEARS>FOR I AM IN A PERFECT PLAVE. >AWAY FROM PAIN AND TEARS.....> I'M FAR AWAY FROM HUNGER,AND HURT AND WANT AND PRIDE.> I HAVE A PLACE IN HEAVEN,WITH THE MASTER AT MY SIDE.. >MY LIFE ON EARTH WAS VERY GOOD,>AS EARTHLEY LIVES CAN GO.> BUT PARADISE IS SO MUCH MORE,THAN ANYONE CAN KNOW.....>MY HEART IS FILLED WITH HAPPINESS, AND SWEET REJOICING,TOO...>TO WALK WITH GOD IS PERFECT PEACE,> A JOY FOREVER NEW....> I HAVE A PLACE IN HEAVEN...........
Autumn Rain Eyes McNicol-Vasquez
April 9, 2007
In Memory Of Billy B Walkabout~ 'Perhaps you sent, received a card, sat upon a chair, sent, received beautiful flowers, If so we saw them there. Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, That anyone could say. Perhaps you were not there at all, Just thought of us or Billy that day. Whatever you did to console our hearts, We thank you so much, whatever your part. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for sharing our sorrow as well as your own with us. Your thoughtfulness is appreciated, will always be remembered!'
'Billy was A Man of pride as he stood in the sun light, though his heart was broken he did not cry, he went to war for his country, served well, brought home glory their medals to shine on his chest. A Warrior born he spoke softly, firm. there was a kindness in his eyes, the whole world was in his heart. Long ago he left with a childlike heart filled with wonder. Far away he traveled to many places with strange names. those are the wages of war, he was told. No matter What was he fighting for, he was proud to go, proud to serve. he was hoping to make a difference, to show his country the honor of his Native People, he did. The day he came home, was filled with sadness, confusion. Our country gave all the Native American Warriors to make America safe. Today these people, his kind, his heart, must be seen equally, respected. While he stood, watching the sun rising, his heart broke for all those he watched die. Remembering the sacrifice of life, a hero’s tear in his eye.’ 'We little knew that afternoon that The Creator was going to call Billy's name, In life we loved him dearly, with his passing, we will do the same. It broke our hearts to lose him, he did not go alone. For part of us went with him, the day The Creator called him home. Billy left us peaceful memories, his love is still our guide, though we cannot see him, he is and will always be at our side. Our family chain is broken, nothing seems the same, as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again.' As Read by Autumn Rain Eyes (Donna L M Vasquez) for Billy, 2007.
MARCH 31, 1949 ~ MARCH 7, 2007, '
ALL GAVE SOME, SOME GAVE ALL.' Billy Bob Walkabout passed on 7 March 2007. Billy was born into the Cherokee Nation on 31 March 1949 in Cherokee County Oklahoma. Billy was the son of Warren, Bobby Jean. He was married to Juanita on 3 April 2000. Billy was a life member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Disabled American Veterans, Legion of Valor, the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. He is preceded in death by his Daughter Amy Rene, Father Warren, Mother Bobby Jean, Brother James Henry, Brother Warren Gene, Jerry. Billy is survived by his wife Juanita, his children, grandchildren; Summer Dawn, Shane, Justin, Trista, Autumn, David, Michael, Vivian, Abbey. Jason, Madison, Emily, as well as five step-children, Lisa, Peter, Mark, Autumn Rain Eyes-Donna, Andres, Randi, Gregory, Randy, Deborah, grandchildren, Aimee, Corey, Michael, Stephanie, Magdelena, Madeline, Crystal, Kevin, Andrew, one great-grandchild Haley, her Mother Sabrina. Billy is also survived by his Step-Father Jess Sr, Sister Michelle, Brother Jess Jr, his wife Twila, numerous Nieces, Nephews. Billy honored himself, his family, the Cherokee Nation during the Vietnam War serving in Co. F 58th Infantry, 101 Airborne Div., was awarded many medals including the Distinguished Service Cross for his actions. Calling hours were held at Church, Allen Funeral Home, CT. Burial Service was held in Arlington, Virginia. Donations in memory of Billy Walkabout may be made to the National Kidney Foundation.
Juanita Walkabout
April 7, 2007
5-Apr-07
Dearest Friends & Relatives,
Yes, indeed my family and I take the greatest pride in all of Billy's accomplishments, throughout his whole life, especially his Cherokee heritage. Being of Native heritage ourselves we learned a great deal of our own culture through the eyes and learned knowledge Billy had to give us.
I as Billy's wife cherish every moment I had with Billy as an endearingly loving husband, father, grandfather & friend. I cannot express the heartfelt pain of the loss of his life, which every one of us is feeling in this time of sorrow. A loss of such a great man not only because of his accomplishments but also for his kindness, his appreciation for life itself, his loving caring ways, his generosity, the love he showed to each and everyone of us daily. There is such a void in all our lives because of Billy's passing I cannot even put his loss into words.
Billy was an inspiration for children, versed in every subject, a man of such intelligence, he could talk to anyone about anything and you always walked away knowing you had an educated learning experience.
Once in a lifetime someone like Billy enters a person's life. I honestly am able to say; "Billy B. Walkabout was a piece of perfect in my lifetime", I am so very blessed. Billy is and always will be a great and honorable person to love and that I will lovingly cherish him all my life.
Sincerely & Thank you,
Juanita M. Walkabout
P.s. I do have a hard time talking in the past tense of Billy.
Tinker Perkins
April 4, 2007
Ah-tent-hut!!!
A Warrior has fallen and now is reporting into God's Command Post (CP). For his Bravery, Courage and Honor for his God, Country and the Cherokee Nation, I salute Billy Walkabout...... former Marine and VietNam Combat Veteran, Tinker Perkins- U.S.M.C. VN-1966-68'
Woodrow Hood
March 31, 2007
I am deeply sorry for your loss. No words can express the pride you must feel for Billy, and the Cherokee Nation. He was and is a true American hero. I would like to see his DFC up-graded to the Medal of Honor! Let me know if there is anything I can do to help. Woody Hood,ret.WO! U.S. Army
John & Cindy Kokernak
March 25, 2007
To the family of Billy Walkabout,
please accept our deepest sympathies for your loss. Although we never met Billy, we honor him as a veteran who served his country bravely and as a man who touched so many lives.
We look forward to meeting you and celebrating Billy's life at Arlington National Cemetery.
Tom Coughlan
March 25, 2007
I met Billy in Vietnam in 1969, and, even before I knew he was a hero, I saw that he was pure (in the way that laser beams and moonlight are pure). He is impossible to forget and, for that reason, will always be with us. I'm sorry for your loss.
Amanda Gavitt
March 21, 2007
Sorry for u loss he was a wonderful person...i will remember him for his love of dr pepper and hia barbaque stuff he loved...
Richard Allen
March 20, 2007
I just wanted to express my condolences. I thought that I might someday run into Billy walking the streets of Tahlequah once more. I was on the planning committee for the Cherokee National Holiday and we honored him along with three other veterans. There were four parade marshals for the Cherokee National Holiday in 1985 and Billy represented those of us who were Vietnam veterans. I know Billy has found the peace that he deserved.
Dr. Richard Allen
Cherokee Nation
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Sabrina Chapman-McNicol
March 19, 2007
im so sorry for all of this grandma,if you need me im here!
Jeff Bendremer
March 19, 2007
Although I only met Billy a few times, he impressed me as kind and thoughtful. I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a special individual and send heartfelt condolences to Billy's family and friends.
Susan Golden Wolf Meehan
March 16, 2007
Our family is thinking of you and is sorrowful for your loss as your hero journeys westward... I am sure he travels on the wings of eagles in his new journey. If there is anything we can do for you Juantina and family, please let us know.
Robert Hoey
March 15, 2007
I served with Walkabout in Vietnam.I have a great deal of respect for him and would like to offer my condolences to his family. I would like to attend services at Arlington. Please contact me.
Kim Roy
March 15, 2007
I'm so sorry for you loss.
Kim & family
Robert Lynch
March 14, 2007
To my friend and brother,I say "farewell". You showed the way to peace and harmony with the Creator. You deeds are legend. You will always be with me as I walk this Red Road. You my friend will be missed here on Earth, but I will see you again, soon. meanwhile,tell all who have gone before me "hello" and may the Great Spirit keep you close to HIM. GOD Bless you Billy Walkabout. WE love you!
Chapman Family
March 13, 2007
To the family, friends, & loved ones of Billy, Our deepest sympathies to the entire family.May God be with you always.
Janna & Bob Austin
March 13, 2007
I feel so blessed to have met Billy for the first time with our Church Missionaries less than a week before he went home to be with our Heavenly Father. I truly enjoyed our visit and hope to continue to build a relationship with you, Juanita, and your family.
Ralph Timmons
March 12, 2007
On behalf of the 101st Airborne Division LRP/Ranger Association I want to express our sympathy to the family and friends of Billy. His actions during November 1968 are legend. Those of us who served with Billy remember him for his calm, confident, and professional bearing and as a good friend. Billy's actions and memory will be honored by our Association as long as one of us stands.
Terry Hammel & family
March 12, 2007
Dear Juanita and family, I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Much love and many prayers!
Jack Reser
March 12, 2007
I remember going over to your house while we were in high school.
You were special then also. Although I haven't seen you since 1968 I always wondered what happened to that "great wrestler" Billy.
Anonymous Resident
March 12, 2007
His actions will stand the test of time and speaks a universal language. God bless.
Eva Wetherby
March 12, 2007
god bless may you rest in peace eva wetherby michael wetherby & family
BILLY B. WALKABOUT
March 12, 2007
Stu Holloway
March 11, 2007
Brave Eagle, rest in peace...
You have earned it...
Currahee!!!
Edward Davison
March 11, 2007
We are sorry for all of you in your time of loss.
The Davisons
Mack Painter
March 11, 2007
I salute you Sir.
Lisa & Pete Bernier
March 11, 2007
Mom we love you and send all our prayers to you and all Billy's family.We will all miss Grandpa Billy, he has been a "good and faithful servant" that has gone to be with the Creator. He is the most honorable man we will ever meet.Love Lisa Pete Corey and Aimee
randolph mcnicol
March 11, 2007
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help at this time.
DONNA LYNN MCNICOL-VASQUEZ
March 10, 2007
To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.
Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."
It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man."
God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.
When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.
I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.
There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.
If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.
So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.
And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.
Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998-2007
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