William J. “Billy Joe” Hadlock , 88, of Owego, NY, passed away on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at Robert Packer Hospital, Sayre.
He was born on July 9, 1937, in Sayre, PA, the son of the late John A. and Ethel (Gooddale) Hadlock.
Family gatherings and reunions were cherished times for him, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and spending time with all of his family which was so important to him. In past years, he loved going to the Elsbree Farm in Athens Twp., and spending time with his good friend, Bob Elsbree.
Billy Joe enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He also enjoyed playing scratch-off tickets and watching westerns on TV. Billy Joe loved all animals, but especially cats and dogs. He was known for being one who would help anyone, give them a helping hand and his last dollar if they needed it. He enjoyed scrapping and tearing things apart.
He is predeceased by his daughter, Debbie Burgess Bair, sisters and brothers-in-law, Lillian and Raymond Cron, Dorothy and George Forman, and Mary and Edward Funk, brothers and sisters-in-law, John and Janice Hadlock, Art and Nancy Hadlock, Harry and Nelda Hadlock, and Donald “Darb” and Charlotte Hadlock.
Billy Joe is survived by his grandchildren, Jerome Burgess, John Bair, and Crystal Bair, great-grandchildren, Piper Cortright, McKenzie Burgess, Jerome (Bear-Bear) Burgess, Kaylee Way, Carter Johns, Josephine Johns, and Conrad Johns. He is also survived by his special friend and landlord, Don Chandler of Owego, special nephews, Kenneth Forman, and Bill Cron and his wife Dianne who was Billy Joe’s caregiver for many years, and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Celebration of Life Gathering will be held on July 9, 2026 at the Waverly Glen Pavilion #2 from 1pm - . Please come and share your cherished memories and/or pictures of Billy Joe. This will be a time to make more memories with the ones that we are sill blessed to have with us. This is a dish to pass and your own beverage event. Chicken, Hamburgers, and Hot Dogs will be provided.
The family is being assisted by Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., Athens, PA.
The family requests that memorial donations be made in William’s memory to: Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 South Main Street, Athens, PA 18810 to help offset the funeral expenses.
Those wishing to sign the E-guestbook or send condolences; you may do so by visiting www.loweryfuneralhome.com.
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