Billy Joe Maye

Billy Joe Maye was born on October 24, 1981, in Rugby, North Dakota, to Theodore and Dorene Maye. He was one of seven children and grew up surrounded by his siblings, family, love, laughter, and plenty of fun.

From a young age, Bill loved being outside. He was an active kid who enjoyed playing, exploring, and finding something to do. He played basketball at Maddock High School and was always up for an adventure. As he grew older, his love for the outdoors continued to be a big part of his life. Bill loved fishing, deer hunting, camping, riding his lowrider bike, and spending time in nature with his family and friends. He also enjoyed frolfing and was pretty good at it. Bill liked being outside and making the most of the time he had, whether he was out fishing, camping, hunting, or simply enjoying a day outdoors.

He also enjoyed watching sports. He was a big NDSU Bison and Minnesota Vikings fan and could often be found watching a game and cheering on his teams. He enjoyed the simple things in life and finding something to look forward to, whether it was a good game, a day outside, or time spent with the people he loved.

Bill worked at Sam’s Club in Moorhead, Minnesota, where he was named Employee of the Month several times. He was a hard worker who took pride in what he did.
Bill was also someone who was always willing to help. If someone needed a ride, Bill was there. He often drove his mom to her appointments and was always willing to get behind the wheel when family or friends needed help. He didn’t need to be asked twice. Helping people was simply part of who Bill was, and he was someone his family and friends knew they could count on.

He enjoyed spending time at home, too. He liked making rice hotdish and loved a good barbecue. He also dabbled in taxidermy, finding another way to bring together his love of the outdoors and his interest in the things around him. Bill had many interests, but he never needed anything fancy to have a good time.

More than anything, Bill loved being a dad. His children, Macoy and Amelia, were the light of his life. He loved playing with them, making them laugh, and simply spending time together. Some of his favorite moments were the everyday ones spent with his kids, making memories that they will carry with them forever.

Bill was also a loving brother, uncle, and friend. He enjoyed spending time with his family and especially loved goofing around with his many nieces and nephews. He had a great sense of humor and loved making people laugh. Bill was someone people could turn to when they needed advice. He always seemed to know what to say when someone needed him.

One special part of Bill’s life was dancing with his son. Bill and his son were sun dancers together, dancing alongside their family. Bill was proud to share this part of their family and ancestry with his son, creating memories that will always be treasured.

Bill was truly one of a kind. He had a big personality, a great sense of humor, and a way of making people smile. He enjoyed life in his own way and loved being surrounded by the people who meant the most to him. Bill was happiest when he was doing something he enjoyed with the people he loved.

Bill leaves behind countless memories that will never be forgotten. His laugh, his smile, his jokes, his willingness to help, and the way he could make people feel happy just by being around him will stay with his family and friends.

Bill will be deeply missed by everyone who knew and loved him. There will be days when his family wishes they could hear his laugh, ask for his advice, have him drive them somewhere, or simply have one more day together. But they will also have the memories he gave them, every fishing trip, camping adventure, family gathering, barbecue, game watched together, laugh, dance, and day spent outside.

Bill may no longer be here to make those memories with them, but the love he gave and the moments he shared will always remain. His life will continue through the stories his family tells, the memories they hold close, and especially through his children, who will always carry a piece of their dad with them.

Bill will forever be loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten.

Bill is survived by his mother, Dorene; children, Macoy and Millie (Amelia) Maye; sisters, Juanita, Mary, Anita Maye; brothers, Robert Maye, Tracy Solberg, Richard Solberg; aunts, Iris Fairbanks, Millie Mckay, Joyce Lunak; uncles, John Birdsbill Jr., William Garza; many nieces and Nephews, family, and friends.

He is preceeded in death by his father, Theodore Maye; sister, Theodora Maye, Izetta Rose Cooley; step father, Robert Garza, grandparents, Josephine and John Sr. Birdsbill, Solman Sherman, Izetta and Joseph Maye.