Kent Williams

David Kent Williams was born November 7, 1939 in Ardmore, OK to Paulyne and Curtiss Williams and passed peacefully from this life September 2, 2020. After graduating from Ardmore High, he went on to graduate from both OU undergrad, where he was a proud ATO, and OU School of Law. Shortly thereafter, he married his high school sweetheart, Ellen Hughes, on July 20, 1963 in Ardmore. They made their home in Oklahoma City, where they raised their two sons, Drew and Hunter. After practicing law and working at Fidelity in the Trust Department, Kent managed the family partnership from 1977 until the day he died.

Kent was preceded in death by his wife, Ellen, who passed away in 2008 from ALS. He is survived by his two sons, Drew (Sharon) of Columbia, SC, and Hunter (Erin) of NYC, his grandchildren, Luke and Claire Williams of Columbia, SC and his sisters, Ellen (Ray) Loard and Becky (Dande) Evans both of Edmond.

In addition to family, Kent was fortunate to have many great friends, both of his generation and that of his sons’. They will always remember his welcoming smile and his genuine interest in all of their lives and his proclivity for telling them about his. Kent was an avid reader and lifelong learner as made clear by his collection of books and his travels to close to 70 countries on 6 continents, mostly with his OKC travel group of over 25 years. However, his favorite adventure was hiking the rainforests of Rwanda to see the Mountain Gorillas, which he was fortunate enough to do on three separate trips. Closer to home, he loved following all things Sooners.

Kent was an animal enthusiast and expert, which is why he actively served in several capacities on the Oklahoma Zoological Society Board of Directors and the Zoological Trust. He was also a patron of the arts, volunteering many years with the Arts Council, serving as Co-Chair of the 1992 Arts Festival, a supporter of Lyric Theater, and frequent traveler to blues festivals in Mississippi. Kent was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church.

A brief graveside service will be held on Friday, September 11, at 11 am at Rose Hill. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to The Oklahoma Zoological Society, the ALS Association, or a charity of your choice.