William Arean “Bill” Williams entered his heavenly home on Monday, October 19, 2026, at the age of 95. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mobley-Groesbeck Funeral Service of Sand Springs.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 22, at Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery.

Bill was born on August 20, 1931, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to J. Ralph Williams Sr. and Anna Loretta (Banner) Ralls. He spent his life in the Bruner Hills area, where he built a lifetime of memories, friendships, and family connections. A man of Christian faith, Bill believed in the power of prayer and at one time taught Sunday school. His faith remained an important part of who he was throughout his life.

Bill attended school in Whitehorse, Oklahoma, Lawrence, Kansas, and Sand Springs High School. During junior high, he played in the band, but life soon called him to take on responsibilities beyond the classroom. He left high school to help support his mother and younger sister, a decision that reflected the caring and dependable man he would continue to be throughout his life.

Bill joined the United States Air Force and proudly served during the Korean War. While in the service, he put his technical skills to work as a radio technician on the aircraft. After returning home, he found that employment opportunities in Oklahoma were limited, so he moved to California, where he worked for Boeing. True to his caring nature, Bill brought his mother and younger sister to California so they could live with him.

Eventually, life brought Bill back to Tulsa, and it was there that a double date changed the course of his life. His lifelong best friend, Don Downey, was dating Barbara at the time and arranged a double date with Bill and JoAnn Kapple. Bill and JoAnn's story began that evening, and the two were married in 1955 at her parents' home. Their marriage became an important chapter in Bill's life, and the friendship between Bill and Don remained a treasured part of his story for years to come.

Bill spent his working years in sales, but he was never one to limit himself to a single role. Bill worked for Meadow Gold, sold overhead doors, drove a cab, and threw newspapers. In his later years, he worked at Brook Alley Bar, where he became much more than an employee. He helped open the bar each day, kept the books, took care of whatever needed doing, and made sure things ran smoothly. He affectionately considered himself the social director, a fitting title for a man who enjoyed people and knew how to make others feel welcome.

Bill loved sports and enjoyed watching wrestling and football. He was a devoted University of Oklahoma fan, and his familiar enthusiasm for the Sooners could be summed up in two words: Boomer Sooner! He took great pride in watching both of his sons wrestle and enjoyed coaching them in baseball. He also loved horse racing, whether watching the races at the fairgrounds in Tulsa or making trips to Hot Springs, Arkansas.

Above all, Bill was a people person. He was outgoing, friendly, and never met a stranger. He had a way of making connections wherever he went, and his warmth left an impression on the people who knew him. He valued his family deeply, and the love he shared with them was evident in the little things, including a special tradition he shared with his sister, Janice. They would often tell each other, “I love you more equal,” a simple exchange that carried a lifetime of affection.

Bill's long life was filled with service, friendship, family, faith, and countless memories. He will be remembered for his generous heart, his strong work ethic, his love of sports, his quick willingness to lend a hand, and his ability to make people feel like friends. Though his family and friends will miss him dearly, they can find comfort in knowing that his life touched many others and that the love he gave will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife, JoAnn; his sons: Mark A. Williams and Hal E. Williams; his parents; and his brother, Ralph J. Williams Jr.

Those left to cherish his memory include his sister, Janice E. Helt; his grandchildren: Starr Cliff and her husband, Jonathan, Coe Williams, Brandon Williams, and Blake Williams; and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews: Marylne Johnson and her husband, Jeff, Theresa Coleman and her husband, Benny, Chris Helt and Carla, James Ralph Williams III and his wife, Kay, Randall Downey, and Steve Downey. Also mourning his passing are his cousin who was like a sister to him, Anna Sue Harmon and her husband, Bill, and his nephew, Eric Kapple, along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Bill's life was a testament to the importance of family, faith, friendship, and showing up for the people who matter. At 95 years old, he leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and memories that will be treasured for generations. Though he will be deeply missed, his family can take comfort in the many ways he made life richer for those around him and in the promise of his heavenly home.