Bill Anoatubby attended public schools in Tishomingo. In 1964, he graduated from high school, where he played football for the Tishomingo Indians and was chosen "all-around boy" by his teachers in his senior year. He was a member of the All-District football team and served two years on the student council. He was junior class president and developed his interest in business and accounting from the classes he took.
He then worked and attended Murray State College, earning an associates degree in business and accounting from East Central State College (East Central University) in 1972. He has 18 hours of additional studies in business and finance from Southeastern State University in Durant, Oklahoma, and from East Central University.
He has taken many continuing education courses in fields such as management, computer science, time management and personnel management, including studies from Dun and Bradstreet in financial management.
Bill Anoatubby served eight years in the Oklahoma Army National Guard, being selected outstanding trainee during military training. He attained the rank of staff sergeant (E-6) and commanded a light truck platoon. He was honorably discharged in 1971.
