Donald Ray Williams

Donald Ray Williams, age 83, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Born July 5, 1943 in Wichita, KS, he moved with his family in 1945 to Tulsa, OK, which remained his home for many decades. He was a member of the first graduating class of Tulsa McClain High School in 1961, where he established life-long friendships. He served in the Army Reserves, attended University of Tulsa, enjoyed many hobbies and a successful career in manufacturing; including 15 years with Hilti. He relocated to Greenville, OH for many years before moving to MI and then returning to Oklahoma where he lived his final years.

His many passions included: collecting and restoring classic cars, attending car shows, landscape photography, traveling, jazz music, ham radio, collecting guns/shooting at the range, and storytelling. In the 1970’s, he was a founding member of Tulsa’s Tri-Five Chevy Club and also owned a camera store in Tulsa’s Utica Square. He and his late wife, of nearly 40 years, Mary H. Frodl-Williams traveled extensively visiting every state in the US as well as multiple countries worldwide. He loved photographing the great outdoors, specifically National Parks and various events, including The Great South Dakota Buffalo Roundup in Custer State Park.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary H. Frodl-Williams, his parents, Everett Edward and Montez Pearl Williams; and his brother Paul Williams. He is survived by his children Kristi Williams, Amber Williams and Jason Williams; 8 grandchildren; and 8 great-grandchildren.

He will be fondly remembered for his curiosity of learning, witty sense of humor, smoked ribs, story-telling, beautiful photographs and love of classic cars.