William D. Williams

William "Bill" Davis Williams was born in Dodge City, Kansas, on September 5th, 1930. He was the third and youngest son of Armon and Ruth Davis Williams. He passed away on October 7, 2025, at his home in Edmond, Oklahoma.

Bill grew up in Dodge City, Kansas, with his older brothers John and Joe, his many dogs--each named Mike--and his horse Sparky. A terrific competitor, Bill enjoyed all sports. When track season arrived and his high school's funds were short, he and his teammates soared over hurdles constructed of sunflower stalks. Nothing stifled his energy or his drive. As a paperboy, he liked delivering the Dodge City Daily Globe and visiting with his customers; he was also a member of the Boy Scouts, especially enjoying all the Scouts' outdoor activities. Bill was a true patriot and dearly loved his country, enlisting in the United States Marine Corps in 1949 at the age of 18. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1949-1953 and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 1953-1990. During the Korean Conflict, Bill was attached to VMF 323 and the USS Valley Forge.

Bill attended Oklahoma A&M (now Oklahoma State University) and pledged Sigma Phi Epsilon. Focusing on finance and management, Bill graduated from A&M with a BS in Business. During his career as a manager with Travelers Insurance, among other certifications, he earned the premier CLU and CHFC. In 1954 he married Jane Abbott, the love of his life. The family grew to include two daughters: Allyson and Erin. Bill and Jane raised their family in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Texas.

Bill's life-long love for cars, especially antique cars, led to a family passion as his entire family took turns driving vehicles from his collection in Edmond's annual 4th of July parade. His collection of vintage cars included his favorites, those cars built between 1908-1940 as well as "newer" models such as his 1966 Studebaker convertible. He devoted years to restoring these cars--two that he especially loved were his 1937 Zephyr and his 1956 International Truck.

A love of travel took Bill and Jane to almost every state in the Union and across the seas to explore France, England, and Wales. Of the fifty states, the couple loved Colorado the most having built a cabin in Cuchara, Colorado, in 1961. The "Cabin" proved a place for much memory making for the entire Williams family and friends.

Service to his community was always important to Bill: from his Christian faith and his life-long involvement with the Presbyterian Church to his working as a docent in the Edmond Historical Museum, Bill gave generously of himself. He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge for over fifty years and served as past commander of the Knights Templar. Similarly, he was an enthusiastic member of the Order of the Jesters. And when living in Omaha, Nebraska, Bill served as the President of the Omaha Rotary Club.

In addition to working with his club communities and exploring his many hobbies, Bill's greatest focus was being father to his two daughters, grandfather to his four grandchildren, and great grandfather to his five great grandchildren.

Preceded in death by his wife, Jane, his parents and his brothers, Bill will live on through his daughters Allyson and her husband Gardner Harris, and Erin and her husband Lane Bramblett. Bill is also survived by his grandchildren and their partners and spouses: Audrey Abbott and her partner Mike Dunn; Will and his wife Meredith and their son Brooks--Jane and Bill's first great grandchild--and their daughter Blakely; Colette and her husband Matt Ecton and their daughter Nora Jane and their son Murphy; and Kelly and her husband Clayton Pruitt and their son Beau. Bill was also blessed with numerous extended family members and many treasured friends: all of these wonderful people were blessings in his life. We are especially grateful to our Dad's wonderful caregivers who will forever be a part of our Family: Teresa, Lily, Pilar, Rica, Barbara, and Jackie.

A Graveside service will be held Saturday, October 11, 2025, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery, 13313 N Kelley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73131.