Billy Bob Gulley

Since he’d handily survived five heart attacks and a stroke, we really thought he’d be around forever, but sadly, Billy Bob “Wild Bill” Gulley, 84, passed away Tuesday, April 28.

Bill was born at home in Benton, Illinois on October 30, 1941, to Lawrence and Josie (Aaron) Gulley, the youngest of seven siblings. His family moved to the Quad City area seeking work when he was a small boy. He inherited a super strong work ethic from his dad and went to work as a sheet metal worker when he was 16, starting his own very successful sheet metal shop in 1970, Bill’s Heating & Air Conditioning. He married Judie Bussman on February 24, 1961. They were married for 37 years before divorcing and remained good friends. He later married Connie Twardowski in a horseback ceremony. They were married for 25 years. She survives.

Bill loved all things that went fast, from motorcycles to snowmobiles to barrel horses. He was a legend in the Wisconsin Northwoods, riding snowmobiles hundreds of miles on trails and racing high-powered sleds on frozen lakes. Bill was proud of his horse, Streamline Hank, who won the honor of World Champion Flag Race Horse multiple times. Bill and Connie traveled all over the country to watch “Wayne” (Special Chicago) win major barrel races. Over the years, Wayne qualified six times for the semi-finals of the American Rodeo in Texas. The highlight of those qualifications was when he made it into the AT&T stadium to run for a purse of a million dollars. Wayne came within a fraction of a second of making them millionaires. In the past couple of years, Bill and Connie have had fun with “Louise”, (Sheza Blazin’ Party) their latest barrel horse, watching her win everywhere. Bill was so proud of his horses. He always said it was great to have just one amazing horse, and he was privileged to have had three!

Bill never knew a stranger. He was a friend to all and liked nothing better than to help his friends in any way. He had an answer for every problem. There’s not a person in either his snowmobiling group or the horse show friends who can’t tell you a “Gulley story.” His jokes were legendary. With one last effort to make a difference in the world, Bill requested that his body be donated to the Iowa Hospital Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology Deeded Body Program to help educate future doctors.

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Connie, sons: Ron, Hanna City, and Jeff, Silvis; three grandchildren: Madison, Shiloh, IL, Jeremy, Sacramento, CA, and Grayson, Silvis, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents and six siblings: Mable, Bob, Don, Art, Charlie, and Lawrence.

At his request, there will be no services. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Esterdahl Mortuary and Crematory, Ltd., Orion are assisting the family with arrangements. Memorials may be made to the family, for a fund to be established.

A short message from Connie to Bill: “You are in my arms forever. What an amazing journey we have had sharing our lives as one. See you soon. Happiness is being able to ride horses again, happy trails to my dear Bill.”

Memories may be shared online by visiting esterdahl.com.