Lloyd (Corky) Billy, crossed over to the next camp to be re-united with his wife, Madeline (Bunny) Billy, on September 24, 2025.

Lloyd was born to Frank Billy and Young Girl Big Wind in 1941. Lloyd was the youngest of five siblings, including Mary Jane Henderson, Mary Billy, Melvin Billy, and Jenny LaSalle.

In 1959, he married Madeline (Bunny) Billy. From that day in May began 66 years of marriage with three sons Lloyd Nolan, Lynden John, Gordy (Mitchell) and daughter Mary Lynne. And, one granddaughter, Sheridan Billy and great granddaughter, Journey Billy.

He leaves behind a legacy of a strong and unbreakable work ethic, cattle ranching, and cowboying. He is greatly missed and if you look long enough, you may see him riding the hills at his ranch in Parker Canyon right below Camelsback. His are the kind of boots that cannot be filled; his saddle one that will be forever empty.

Lloyd's life and legacy centered on his being a rancher; it is what defined him. He was more comfortable on a horse than anything else. For those that rode with him, you can remember the long days, but good rides – even if it required great daring and courage sometimes!

Lloyd was also an avid horseman. He loved starting a new horse and riding in the open mountains. He was patient and kind with his horses, including riding with one spur and soft rowels. He was not hesitant, however, to address bad behavior or sulking. He had many horses over the years. To name a few – Red Man, Barry, Digger, Spencer, Little Man, Pistol, Scarface, Magpie, Freddy, Wishbone, Hammer, JW, 41, and his teams of horses, Chub and Slim. He also enjoyed working with his tack and readying his equipment.

He also had one special cat named Trailer.

In addition to ranching, working and training horses, Lloyd was also an avid team roper. While he won many championship buckles and awards for team roping, he more so enjoyed the event to ride his horses, visit, and simply be in the arena. He was a member of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), Northern Rodeo Association (NRA), and National Senior Pro Rodeo Association (NSPRA). He was also the President and member of the Havre Roping Club, as well as a founder of the Rocky Boy Rodeo. He is the co-founder of the Montana Team Roping Classic.

But Lloyd had other talents as well, and basketball was one of them. He was a 4-year varsity basketball player in high school, and went on to be play independent basketball for many years.

One might also say he had a talent to visit and talk. He had a unique gift in his ability to nearly start a conversation with anyone. As such, he was an avid reader of newspapers and if he could find a willing participant, he enjoyed debating … nearly on any topic!

Lloyd also had a strong commitment to his community. He served as a Chippewa Cree Tribal Council Member, where he traveled to Washington, DC to help form the early versions of the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. As an advocate for Indian Health, he was a member of the Northern Montana Health Care Board of Directors. He also worked to bring jobs and opportunities to the Rocky Boy community through his position as Director at the Bear Paw Development Corporation. Over the years, he worked with a number of Montana legislators and Montana delegates, including Mike Mansfield.

The ranch life, however, always called to him, and he left politics behind to follow his true passion. He changed his suit for a cowboy hat, boots, pearl snap shirt, and Levis. This is where he spent the rest of his days in life.

In addition to ranching, he and his brother started a family fencing business, B & B Fencing. For many years, the summer months were spent on contracts spanning multiple states in putting up fence – especially large road and interstate construction. To this day, you can see B & B fences still standing in Montana and Wyoming.

Aside from cowboying, family was his life. Lloyd spent much time trailering his children's horses to Little Britches, High School, College rodeo, many rodeos and team ropings. His efforts were spent readying the horses, preparing the saddles and equipment for their team roping, calf roping, and break away events. For Nolan, John, and Mary Lynne, he was a steady and constant voice in or near the rodeo arena.

On a beautiful fall day full of color in late September, family and friends gathered to honor Lloyd in a graveside service at the family ranch. Lloyd was born on the family ranch and was laid to rest with his wife on a side hill looking to all the hills and mountains he rode for all of his days.

Lloyd was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.

"Now, it is time for you – Dad - to drop the reins as you are home."