Wilbur "Gene" Williams

Wilbur “Gene” Williams passed away on November 17, 2021 at the age of 78. Gene was born on April 26, 1943 in Paden, Oklahoma. Gene was the middle child of fifteen children. He grew up in Paden and was a 1961 graduate of Paden high school. While in high school, Gene excelled on and off the field. He was a smart student and a gifted athlete. He played both football and baseball growing up. After high school, his athletic success continued, as he played baseball for the University of Oklahoma. He was also an avid and skilled golfer, excelling on the course to the point he received a PGA invitation. Gene went to work at age 19 at Tinker Air Force Base. He started out as a janitor and worked his way up to foreman. He retired from Tinker in 1998. Following his retirement, Gene opened up Williams Army Surplus and ran it successfully until the day he passed. Gene developed many great relationships with his customers over the years. He loved to sit and chat with them for hours. Gene never met a stranger and he was always there for anyone who asked for help. Gene was passionate about family. He was a hard-working, supportive father that worked hard to teach his children and grandchildren how to succeed in life. Gene was preceded in death by his parents, many siblings, two children, and his loving wife, Shirley M. Williams. He is survived by four children, five grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a host of family and friends.