Billy went to be with the Lord accompanied by his Guardian Angel August 14, 2024. Billy was born in a Boxcar in a gully in Pine Prairie, TX on December 17, 1934 to Charlie and Velva Madden McPike. He attended Huntsville area schools.

Billy enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 12, 1954, in Houston, Texas. Following Recruit Training in San Diego, CA, he reported for duty aboard the USS Helena (CA 75) home-ported in Long Beach, CA, then onto the USS Oklahoma City (CLG 5). Billy advanced through ranks and made several deployments to the Western Pacific during which time he met and married Karen Wagers and her son Rickey in San Francisco, CA. While  stationed in Long Beach they welcomed their daughter Theresa.

Billy briefly worked as a Steel Painter in various California counties painting highway overpasses and high stanchion electric towers over the hills and mountains. In 1968 Billy returned to active duty as a Builder Second Class, U.S. Navy Seabees. His first duty station was with Naval Mobile Construction Battalion SIXTY-TWO (NMCB 62) where he served 2 years in Vietnam. He attended Builder "B" school and taught classes in Port Hueneme, CA. Anxious to accept new challenges, he volunteered for duty at Camp David and reported to Presidential Support Duty in September 1974 where he served under Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter and Reagan. During his 11-year tenure as Grounds and Emergency Services Chief, Billy attained the Rank of Chief Petty Officer (E-7) receiving numerous awards and accolades to include the Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation Medal and The Presidential Service Badge. During Chief McPike's 28 years of Naval service he earned many Good Conduct awards, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, National Defense Medal and the China Service Medal. Billy retired from military service on January 31, 1986, he and Karen headed to Huntsville, TX.

Billy's retirement was short, he worked at Huntsville High School briefly before being hired at Sam Houston State University in Grounds and Maintenance until his retirement in 1998. The following years of his retirement were his most enjoyed, he was outside. Billy was a blood donor and volunteer. For 25 years he volunteered as Groundskeeper at The Shrine of Two Hearts, where he also served on the Board of Directors. He was the Groundskeeper and Director of Boontown Cemetery where many of his relatives rest. Billy is responsible for the Rose Garden in front of the H.E.A.R.T.S Veteran's Museum, as well as the Unborn Memorial Shrine at St Thomas the Apostle Church in Huntsville, TX. Billy attended St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church and was a member of the Stand and Pray ministry.

Billy's grandchildren live miles away in Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, Florida, Arizona and Oregon. Sadly, he rarely saw them and when he did their term of endearment for him was "Grumpy Grandpa."

Survivors include his Wife, Karen McPike, Son Rickey McPike (Sheri), Daughters, Theresa Wheeler (David), Melody Rose Schieffer (Matt), Jennifer Eynon; nine grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; 2 great great grandchildren; Brother Raymond McPike (Juventina), Sister-in-Law Anita McPike; many nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Billy was preceded in death by his parents Charlie and Velva McPike, Brother James D. McPike, Sister Linda McPike and Nephew James McPike, Jr.

The family extends their most grateful appreciation for the ministry and support provided by Father Fred Valone. Many Blessings were provided by the staff and chaplain of Benchmark Hospice. Special thank you to Kris, Kelly, Venitta and Michelle for the excellent care, patience and anything we needed!

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1602 Avenue N, Huntsville, TX 77340 or to the H.E.A.R.T.S. Veterans Museum, 463 SH 75 N., Huntsville, TX 77320.