Bill Williams

Lifelong Purcell resident, Bill Williams, age 101, passed away Tuesday, November 18, 2014. Bill was born April 26, 1913 in Purcell, the 6th of 9 children born to George S. Williams and Bertie Gertrude (Newman) Williams. At an early age, Bill learned the value of hard work, and on any given day, one could find him sweeping the floors at his father's hardware store. He also washed dishes and peeled potatoes at the Harvey House, sometimes feeding up to 100 railroad workers every day. By the time Bill was in high school, he and his brother Leon were business partners, and together running Williams Produce. He also built and repaired radiators, as well as built stills. While at Purcell High school, Bill was a standout athlete and especially excelled on the grid iron. He graduated with the class of 1934. Bill married Faye Cardwell the following year, and together they raised a son, Billie Gerald Williams. Bill joined the United States Army and served his country proudly during World War II. Bill was Honorably Discharged at the rank of S/SGT after tours in Africa, Northern France, the Rhineland as well as Central Europe. He returned home to Oklahoma and again joined his brother in the family business, a business they would own for more than 32 years. Bill was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, and always had his finger in numerous career fields. Bill later worked at the prison in Lexington for more than eight years, where he ran the canteen and managed the inmate's money in a bank there. On May 7, 1983, Bill married Arlene Cardwell, and they remained active in their community. Bill was always proud of Purcell and served his town in many ways, including two terms as Mayor and 9 years on the City Council. With the help of Jim Kinblade, Randall Brewer, Laurence Mantooth and Richard Gray, Bill worked tirelessly to provide Purcell with Purcell Municipal Hospital, which opened in 1970. He also boasted of new sewer facilities and water lines and many other infrastructure improvements for that time. Bill enjoyed Rotary immensely, and was so very proud of his nearly 66 years of perfect attendance. Bill was also the head of the Veterans of Foreign Wars for many years. One of Bill's greatest joys however was his church, the First Baptist Church of Purcell. For some time, Bill was the longest living active member and an active supporter in the building movement for their current building. He was also very proud of the fact that the note is paid in full. Bill will be forever known for his quick wit and his ornery sense of humor, his knowledge of all things Purcell and his devout friendship. He will be dearly missed! He was preceded in death by: His wife, Faye Williams; His parents, George and Bertie Williams; His sisters, Rose Williams, Golda Gerhard, Peggie O'Bryant and Lucile Ray and His brothers, George, Leon, Sherman and James Williams. Bill leaves behind: His wife of more than 31 years, Arlene Williams of the home; His son, Bill Williams and wife Jennifer of Noble; 4 step daughters, Nancy Monday of Edmond, OK, Kitty Casey and husband Richard of Norman, OK, Joyce Vinita and husband Jim of Edinburg, TX and Merry Parker and husband Mike of Mustang, OK; 4 grandchildren, Cristy Cannon of Norman, Billie Williams and wife Kim of Lindsay, Brian Williams and wife Teri of Newcastle and Kevin Williams of Noble; 2 great grandchildren, Taylor Miller and Clayton Cannon; Several nieces and nephews, and a host of other family and friends. Funeral Services are scheduled for 1:00 P.M. Friday, November 21, 2014, at the First Baptist Church in Purcell. Burial will follow at the Hillside Cemetery under the direction of the Wilson-Little Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Purcell First Baptist Church.

Bill Williams

April 26, 1913 - November 18, 2014