For more than six decades, Billy Eugene Kirk built his life around hard work, faithfulness to family and a commitment to doing business the right way with what he says as honesty and perseverance.
Now approaching his 97th birthday, Kirk’s story is deeply woven into the history of Morris and the surrounding oilfield communities.
Born and raised in Drumright, Kirk moved to the Morris area in 1961 after being transferred for work in the oil transportation industry. What began as a job soon became a lifelong calling.
“I started a tank truck business there,” Kirk recalled, explaining that his work involved hauling oil, salt water, and drilling mud from active oil wells. For years, Kirk worked for Osage Oil and Transportation. After more than two decades in the industry, an unexpected opportunity changed his path.
When the company faced financial trouble, Kirk’s boss offered him the chance to buy the business.
“He gave me a price I couldn’t not accept,” Kirk said. “I didn’t have a clue how far it would go.”
In 1987, Kirk officially became a business owner, founding what would become Kirk Tank Trucks. From its location on the east side of Morris, across from the school, the company serviced hundreds of oil wells throughout the region. “We probably serviced about 300 wells,” he said. “When the tanks got full, we’d go pick it up and haul it.”
His work helped keep the local energy industry moving – quietly and reliably – day after day.
Kirk ran his business alongside his family. His youngest son joined the company shortly after the purchase and handled the bookkeeping, helping keep operations running smoothly. “My son took care of my books and everything,” Kirk shared. “He started probably within a month after I bought it.”
At the heart of Kirk’s life was his marriage to his wife, who he met in Drumright. She was originally from Lamar, Oklahoma, and the two were married for 63 years. “We were together ever since ’61,” Kirk said. “Sixty-three years.”
Their home in Morris became the place where they raised their sons, built their business and formed lifelong friendships.
After decades of work, Kirk officially retired around 2020. His wife passed away in 2021. A few years later, at the encouragement of his sons, he moved into Baptist Village, where he now enjoys the company of longtime friends. “I should have come earlier,” he said with a smile. “Good people, good food, everything’s good.” He especially values the friendships he’s maintained over the years, including daily meals with fellow residents he’s known since his early days in Morris.
“Friends,” Kirk said simply, when asked what stood out most from his years in business.
When asked what advice he would give young people thinking about starting their own business, Kirk didn’t hesitate. “They’re going to have to work hard and be honest,” he said. “You’ve got to work hard to make it go. Treat people right.”
That philosophy guided him for more than 60 years in the same industry from his early days in the 1950s to his final years of work. “I’ve been in the same business all along,” he said.
Though the original Kirk Tank Trucks site is no longer active, its legacy lives on through the relationships, reputation and work ethic Kirk established.
Today, he remains close to his sons, grandchildren, and extended family, with one son living just blocks away. He still owns his longtime home and continues to stay connected to the community he helped build.
As he prepares to celebrate another birthday surrounded by family, Kirk reflects a generation defined by perseverance, loyalty and quiet leadership.
From hauling oil in all weather, to building a family business, to nurturing lifelong friendships, Billy Eugene Kirk’s life is proof of what steady commitment and integrity can create.
In a world that often moves too fast, his story reminds us that lasting impact is built one honest day at a time.
