William "Billy" Grandi

William “Billy” Grandi, 70, of Grandi Road, passed away Thursday, July 24, 2025 at his home. Cremation will take place and a memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, August 2, at 11:00 am at First Baptist Church with James Robbins officiating. Denton-Wood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. A reception will follow at the Eddy County Sheriff’s Posse arena.

Billy was born December 17, 1954 in Roswell, NM to Henry and Kathryn (Vowell) Grandi. He was raised on the family’s ranch in Dark Canyon and later moved to the Grandi farm in Otis. He grew up around horses, spending many summers at the racetracks at Ruidoso Downs and Sunland Park. He competed in junior rodeos in many events including bull riding. He was also a member of FFA and the Carlsbad Cavemen football team, and graduated from Carlsbad High School in 1973.

Billy married his high school sweetheart, Cathy Pulice, in 1974, and they welcomed two daughters, Melissa and Lacey, while they continued to work on the family’s farm and ranch. One of his greatest joys was teaching his kids and many others about horses and the sport of rodeo, and he dedicated most of his free time to help them perfect their riding and roping skills. He spent many years hauling his daughters and his nephew, Ryan, to countless junior rodeos across several states. Billy served on the board of directors for the Eddy County Junior Rodeo Association, the New Mexico High School Rodeo Association and the Eddy County Cotton Growers Association. He was a member of the Elks and the Eddy County Sheriff’s Posse, and he was also a 4-H leader. He founded the Eddy County Rough Riders Association, sharing his love of rodeo and teaching many young cowboys how to ride bulls and broncs.

Billy was best known for his music. In the early 1970’s, Billy and his best friend Chuck Thompson formed their own band, the Country Playboys, later known as Billy Grandi and the Silvercreek Band. They became local celebrities playing their music at the Legion Hut, the Elks Lodge and most famously, the Otis Gym, in addition to the annual rodeo dances, downtown street dances, and more. These were not just dances - they became part of Carlsbad’s culture through the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, bringing people of all ages together and providing fond memories for generations of Carlsbad residents. The band also played throughout New Mexico and Texas and performed as the opening act for many country music legends such as George Jones, Johnny Paycheck, Ronnie Milsap, TG Sheppard, Johnny Rodriguez, and Marty Robbins.

Later on, Billy began writing and performing country gospel music, releasing two albums, “Footprints in the Sand,” and “Cowboy Up.” He was named the Country Gospel Music Association’s Artist of the Year in 2021. He started “Cowboy Up Ministries” and found great fulfillment in sharing his music and testimony at cowboy church services across New Mexico and many other states. 

Billy was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Henry Grandi and sister, Yolanda Jolley. Survivors are his daughters: Melissa Suggs and husband, Michael, Lacey Chavez and husband, Ed; grandchildren: Marley Suggs, Michael Suggs, Joe Chavez and several nieces and nephews.

Donations may be made to the Kelsey Mae Davis Memorial Scholarship fund in lieu of flowers.