Billy B. Weeks was born on January 15, 1926, in Abilene, Texas. He hailed from a family deeply rooted in ranching, rodeo, and exceptional horsemanship. His childhood was spent on ranches overseen by his father, where he developed a profound connection with the rodeo lifestyle. At the tender age of six, Billy's mother allowed him to enter the Steer Riding event at the Abilene Fair Park Arena. After clinching his first victory, Billy's focus turned solely to rodeoing.
In 1946, encouraged by the esteemed Rodeo Stock Producers, Gretchen and Verne Elliott, Billy joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association (RCA). His early professional rodeo career was significantly influenced by notable figures such as Casey Tibbs, Vic Schwartz, and Jack Favor. Billy proved to be a versatile competitor, excelling in Bareback, Saddle Bronc, and Bull Riding across major rodeos in the United States and Canada. His remarkable achievements include winning the Bareback event at his first Cheyenne Frontier Days™ in 1947 and securing the All-Around title at Cheyenne in 1952.
Billy's contributions to the rodeo community extended beyond competition. He served on the National Finals Rodeo Stock Selection Board for several years. Following his retirement from active competition, Billy transitioned into roles as a Racehorse Trainer, Ranch Foreman, and Rodeo Judge. Notably, he held the position of Timed Event Judge at Cheyenne for an impressive 24 consecutive years. At the time of his untimely passing on January 9, 1988, Billy had resumed his horse training endeavors and was eagerly anticipating his 25th year as the timed event line judge at Cheyenne Frontier Days™, that July.
Billy B. Weeks' legacy in the rodeo world is encapsulated in his famous saying: “Rodeoing is better than working, even if you don’t win.” His dedication and passion earned him prestigious honors, including induction into the National Rodeo Hall of Fame at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum and the Texas Rodeo Cowboy Hall of Fame in 1988, the same year as his passing.