In a poignant display of eternal devotion to his cherished motorcycle, the late Billy Standley of Dayton, Ohio saw his final wish fulfilled today as he was laid to rest atop his beloved 1967 Harley Davidson Electra Glide. This unique burial, which required the utilization of three grave sites, has been in the works for an astonishing 18 years.
Standley's profound connection to his motorcycle was evident throughout his life, with his passion for the machine transcending even death itself. Five years ago, his sons undertook the task of constructing a specially designed casket for their father, crafted from Plexiglass, steel, and wood, with the explicit purpose of accommodating the motorcycle. Standley's pride in the custom-made casket was palpable; he often showcased it to friends in his garage, underscoring the depth of his affection for both the bike and the unconventional idea of being laid to rest upon it.
Reflecting on her father's idiosyncrasies, Standley's daughter, Dorothy Brown, fondly remarked, "He was a quirky man." However, she emphasized his unwavering love and dedication to his family, noting, "But when it comes to us kids, he loved us, he raised us well and, of course, we wanted to help him."
Following Standley's passing from lung cancer on Sunday, his final journey commenced. Dressed in his leathers and helmet, his body was carefully secured to the motorcycle seat with a metal back brace, symbolizing his eternal ride into the beyond. The meticulously constructed casket was then sealed, ensuring that Standley and his treasured bike would remain together as they were solemnly lowered into the earth.
Regardless of one's beliefs concerning the afterlife, Standley's poignant burial serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring bond between man and machine. In death, as in life, his Harley Davidson Electra Glide remains an indelible part of his legacy, a testament to the profound impact that passion and love can have, transcending the boundaries of mortality itself.