George W. Williams, Jr. of Midwest City, Oklahoma was born on August 11,1942 in Howe, Oklahoma to George W. Sr. and Myrtle A. Eply Williams. He passed away on March 31, 2023 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma at the age of 80.
George was a quiet man who was more comfortable in one-to-one conversation than in a group. He loved southeastern Oklahoma where he roamed the woods and countryside as a boy and always considered it home despite living in Midwest City more than 50 years. He graduated from Howe High School in 1960. He attended Poteau Community College before joining the Army in 1961 where he served during the early Vietnam era. On August 27, 1966, he married Carolyn Watkins, that little curly-haired girl he had seen playing in the neighbors yard out on Clear Lake Road in the 1950s. They shared the next 56 years. He retired from Tinker Air Force Base in 1999, after a 31-year career where he began as a welder and rose to become Quality Assurance Specialist.
He enjoyed the outdoors, fishing, and hunting, but most of all he loved gardening. George could grow anything. He planted huge crops so he could share his bounty with others. He is well-known for his watermelons, sweet corn, tomatoes, homemade plum jelly, and stew.
George was a kind, generous, and thoughtful man who cared deeply about his family and friends. He was a good listener. Many family members and friends would go to him for his steady advice, guidance, and help. His way was always the right way. He showed his unconditional love by creating and giving custom gifts.
There was not anything that George couldnt fix, build, or make including vehicles, leaky pipes, wood flooring, and cabinetry. He made silver spoon rings, carved and painted miniature ducks, and even carved a chain from a solid piece of wood. Georges craftmanship is displayed throughout George and Carols cozy home in the uses of various woods on ceilings, floors, and kitchen cabinetry. He even cut and laid large natural stones from his grandparents home in Howe for the hearth of their fireplace.
He is survived by his spouse, Carolyn (Watkins) Williams of the home. Daughter, Lori Chesnut and husband Darren of Midwest City; son Kendall Williams and wife Joanna of Choctaw. Four grandchildren: Jesse Gurney and wife Britney of Vista, California; Seth Chesnut, and wife Jacee of Del City, Emma Chesnut of Midwest City, and Kensy Williams of Choctaw. Four great-grandchildren: Justin Gurney, Nilah Chesnut, Lucas Gurney, and Karter Chesnut. Sisters: Joann Neher, Bobbie Glenn, Carolyn Baxter, Delilah Nobles (James), and Linda Watkins (H.L.), numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brother: Eugene Williams, sisters Lillian Glasgow and Martha Kull. George will be laid to rest in his beloved southeastern Oklahoma.
A memorial service will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, April 22, 2023 at the Howe Cemetery in Howe, Oklahoma. Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener, Oklahoma.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations may be made in his honor to the Soldier Creek Baptist Church Youth Falls Creek Scholarship Fund, 9020 S.E. 15th Street, Midwest City, Oklahoma 73130.