Dean Williams

Norvin Dean Williams, 63, completed his earthly journey on Monday, September 6, 2010 after enduring two years with heart and respiratory difficulties. He arrived at Norman Regional Hospital on May 14, 1947 to be welcomed by parents, Glen and Edra Williams and sister, Jean Crawford.

He attended, and completed his special courses of study from the Norman schools. He attended, Central Junior High (currently the Longfellow Middle school campus) and then self selected courses of study at Norman High School. Unknowingly, his future wife, Nina Bettis, sat in front of him in Senior English. She knew him as the guy that performed various firecracker experiments in the hallways. Dean and his friends selected their individualized course of study by visiting OU and places in the city of Norman. Ansell Young, the vice principal, spent his time catching up with them for special guidance lessons. After completed studies in Norman he became exceedingly knowledgeable of the geography and history of his hometown .He graduated in 1966.

Dean enlisted in the U.S. Army 45th National Guard unit He served as a specialist in the ASLT helicopter Aviation Company. He received medals as an Expert marksman. His excellent performance gave him an opportunity to reenlist for flight school to become a Huey pilot. He proudly served his country. His high values of work excellence continued as he worked at John Roberts's factory and a riveter at an aviation business in Denton, Texas. He returned to Norman to work with Dad painting Norman homes, businesses and facilities in the Norman area. In 1983, he began another career at Tinker Air Force Base as an aircraft mechanic. Once again he excelled and received eight performance awards for suggestions on improving specific task in aircraft industrial engineering. In March 1991 he was awarded the TAFB Production branch employee of the month. His work performance for the last ten years earned him perfect scores on evaluations. After working various jobs since he was 14 years old he retired in 2003.

His mother's family was the well known Buck family in the Cherokee tribe. He was a direct descendant of Ben Franklin and the Franklin family who settled in Cleveland County thus Franklin Road. His great-grandfather, George Woodrow, was established as a real "Sooner" in 1862 as President Theodore Roosevelt awarded him the Homestead deed for 160 acres in May, 1901.

Dean is survived by his wife of 35 years and his two precious, well behaved dogs, Buster and Sweetie. Jean Fry, Paul and Pat Bettis and Mike and Dee Bettis all of Norman; and several beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Edra Williams; sister, Jean Crawford; grandparents, Glen and Gladys Williams, Arthur and Mamie Woodrow; and his close friend, Jim Hughes.

Services will be held 10:00 AM Friday, September 10 at the Primrose Chapel with Eddie Srnoltz, E.C. Hartness and Paul Betties. Interment will be at the Norman 100F Cemetery, under the direction of Primrose Funeral Service.

Pallbearers will be Gary Bettis, Randal Grotts, John Patterson, Kent Marshall, Shane Grotts, and Sean Marshall.

Dean and Nina were very appreciative of the loving care, counseling support of Dr.Mudassir Nawaz office and especially Jennifer. A special loving bond developed with Dr. Nawaz and became a life-long friend in our lives. Also, we would like to thank the nursing staff at each hospital campus. Special thanks to Dr. Kevin Hoos, Dr. Muhammad Anwar and Dr Curtis. Mullin.

Dean was a man of great faith and had a heart that was filled with love very tender towards others. As an organ donor, he felt he should share what was given to him. His last words spoken to Nina were meant to be shared with all of you; friends, foes and especially family were: "and you know I love you"

Visit Primrosefuneralservice.com for more information and condolences.