Gordon Darnall Williams Jr.

Gordon Darnall Williams, Jr., devoted Christian, loving husband, father and friend passed away on October 13, 2012. Gordon was born to Dr. Gordon Darnall Williams and his wife, Marie Kinnison Williams on January 13, 1933, in Weatherford, Oklahoma. Upon graduation from Weatherford High School, Gordon attended the University of Oklahoma, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. His many pledge brothers, including Don Winn, Dan Hogan, Bob Hoover, Joe Messenbaugh, Henry Coffeen, John Mee, Taylor Yoakam, and Dick Coyle are to this day his closest friends. Gordon met the love of his life, Anna Noel Devanney, a member of the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority at OU through mutual friends their freshman year. They were married shortly thereafter.

Upon graduating from OU, Gordon thoroughly enjoyed a successful career with Merrill Lynch, where he was a Vice President of the firm and managed Merrill Lynch offices in many cities for 35 years. He was extremely dedicated to his firm, employees and most of all, his clients.

He loved golf, especially with his golfing group, including Dick Ellis, Tom King, Steve Steakley, Joe Dan Trigg, and the late Ed Decordova and Dave Raupe. Gordon’s passions were summers spent fly fishing at the 4UR Ranch in Wagon Wheel, Colorado and many winters in Newport Beach, California, where he made and kept numerous friends.

Gordon is preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Darnall Williams, as well as his in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. J. Tom Devanney.

Nothing was more important than his family and his faith. Gordon is survived by his wife of 57 years, Anna Noel Devanney Williams, sons Dee Williams and Tom Williams, and daughter Jane Williams Stanford, along with her husband Kent Stanford. Gordon had one grandchild, Anna Noel Mueller, who was his pride and joy. He loved being a grandfather.

We will always remember Gordon’s smile, humor and constant positive attitude. He loved life and never met a stranger. Gordon’s hallmark was his many friends, all attracted to Gordon by his warmth and wit. His sweet demeanor and friendliness to all was a constant throughout his life.

Gordon was a devoted member of All Soul’s Episcopal Church, where he served as an usher for many years. The family would like to thank all his wonderful caregivers at the end of his life.

Gordon, we can only hope to be as kind as you were to all. We could not possibly be prouder to have you as a husband, friend and father. We all miss you greatly, but are so happy for the time we had with you.

A viewing will be held at Hahn, Cook, Street & Draper on Tuesday the 16th at 5-7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at All Souls Episcopal Church on Wednesday the 17th at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to All Souls Episcopal Church.