Billy Harjo March 28 1950 – May 7 2026

Raised in Fort Worth, Texas, Billy returned to Graham during his junior year of high school. Following graduation, he moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico, where he attended college and earned a degree in art.
Billy spent six years in Macon, Georgia, where he coached basketball and taught science and art at Warner Robins School. Billy managed the Creek Nation Trading Post in Macon GA as well as Okmulgee. He later worked as a bingo caller for approximately nineteen years, eventually serving as a kitchen supervisor before retiring.
Billy was internationally recognized as a champion Fancy War Dancer, and it was often said that “when he danced, his moccasins smoked.” He was also well known for his exceptional beadwork artistry. Even in recent years, Billy continued teaching beadwork classes and sharing the history and cultural traditions associated with the craft. He regularly attended beadwork art shows and possessed the remarkable ability to bead nearly anything.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marian (Lewis) Haynes and Muriel Harjo Sr.; and his stepfather, Bill Haynes. Brothers; Daniel Harjo, David Harjo and Muriel Harjo Jr.

Billy is survived by his brother, Gerald Harjo and wife Mardi of Franklin, Georgia; sisters, Beverly Chancey and husband Devin of Weleetka, and Charlotte Starkey and husband Bart of Henryetta; nieces, Misty Reece and husband Anthony of Celina, Texas, and Mindy Johnson and husband Mark of Weleetka; great-nieces, Breawna and Tayelor Starkey; great-nephews, Jase and Lane Johnson; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at the Rogers Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Wallace Gambler officiating. Interment will follow at the Haynes Family Cemetery in the Ryal Community. Services are under the direction of Rogers Funeral Home.