John Williams

John Dewey Williams was received into God’s kingdom on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 84.

The son of Oscar Dewey and Margery (Scott) Williams, John, was born on June 15, 1941. He was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, with his sister Joanne where he attended Eliot Elementary. As a young kid, he enjoyed spending time with his horse, riding his bike, throwing his paper route, and playing baseball with the neighborhood kids. He then attended Edison High School, where he was an accomplished wrestler and enjoyed making lifelong best friends. After high school graduation in 1959, he went on to the University of Oklahoma, and later transferred to Northeastern State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Business Administration.

It was during his time in Tahlequah that John met Penny Lieb. The two began dating and were married on January 30, 1965. John soon joined the United States Air Force and after being stationed in Alabama then Kansas, and ending up in Claremore in the mid 1960’s.

After moving to Claremore, a dear friend of John’s encouraged him to attend real estate school–a decision that not only shaped his future, but also the future of the community which he loved and treasured. In 1968, he started the John Williams Company, establishing his career that would leave a lasting influence and legacy on Claremore and Rogers County. He was involved with developing many residential subdivisions and played a key role in bringing commercial businesses to the area such as Wal-Mart, QuickTrip and Mazzios. He served on numerous bank boards, Boys Scouts of America, Rogers County Planning commission to name a few. His colleagues remember him as a man who strived to better others around him before himself; his generosity and selflessness will forever be cherished by the community.

Above all, John’s greatest joy was spending his time with his family and friends. One of his favorite places to go was the family home on Grand Lake where he enjoyed fishing or spending time with his friends or grandkids. He was an avid golfer, hunter and outdoors enthusiast. He loved encouraging his grandkids in their sports or other endeavors, as he was the greatest motivator and positive influence. He loved patriotic music, John Denver, Frank Sinatra and sitting by a fire. John loved his dogs and always had a bird dog or lab around. He will be missed by his constant companions.

John will forever be remembered as a man who was full of compassion, had an unwaveringly positive attitude, and a work ethic like no other. He consistently put others before himself and always around to be a helping hand in any way that he was able. John was guided by gratitude; he was thankful beyond measure for his abundant blessings he received. His faith in Christ was the foundation of his life as he was a member of the Methodist Church from a young age.

He is preceded in death by his parents, O.D. and Margery Williams.

John is survived by his wife of 60 years, Penny Williams; son, John Williams Jr. and wife Jodi; daughter Suzanne Mullen; grandchildren John III, Ben and Jack Williams, and Cooper, Megan, Barrett and Mackenzie Mullen; and sister, Joanne Detamore.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Claremore First Methodist Church (Next Step 2030).