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© Billings Funeral Home Woodward
Reprinted with permission
Submitted by: Ann Weber
J. Douglas Williams, whose legendary career in broadcasting, law, real estate, education and civic involvement spanned more than five decades, passed away on Friday, Aug. 7, in his beloved hometown of Woodward, OK, at the age of 78. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church of Woodward with Reverend Shannon Davis officiating. Burial will follow with the Billings Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
For 40 years, Mr. Williams served as President and CEO of Omani Communications, Inc. Affectionately known as J. Doug, he also entertained and informed Northwest Oklahoma listeners every day as the voice of the Morning Show on Woodward station K-101, a former winner of the prestigious Marconi Award. Mr. Williams himself previously received a Marconi Award as Radio Personality of the Year.
As a corporation, Omani Communications owns three radio stations and one television station. Mr. Williams was also the President and General Manager of Omni Media Group, a concert/special events production and promotion company
Mr. Williams earned his bachelor's and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma in the late 1960s, and was in the first class of legal interns to be licensed by the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. But before officially beginning his legal career, he served for four years as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation at the FBI Field Offices in Washington, DC, and Birmingham, along with the Bureaus Los Angeles Division headquarters.
Mr. Williams was a true entrepreneur who reveled in multitasking. While launching his careers as a broadcaster and lawyer in Woodward, he also established himself as a local real estate developer. He later worked as Vice President and General Counsel of the G.O. Williams Oil Company, and General and Managing Partner of the G.O. Williams Investment Company.
Among his professional affiliations, Mr. Williams was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, and was previously elected Chairman of the NAB Radio Board. He was a board member of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters and a former president of the organization, while also being a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Williams frequently spoke on broadcasting issues at local colleges such as Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and Texas Tech University.
In addition, Mr. Williams was a member of the American Bar Association, the Oklahoma Trial Lawyers Association and the Society of Ex FBI Agents.
Mr. Williams was also extensively involved with local organizations such as the Woodward United Fund, the Woodward Public Schools Educational Foundation, the Woodward Hospital Foundation, and the First United Methodist Church of Woodward.
Mr. Williams will also be remembered as the founding producer of The 101 Classic Bowl in Woodward, an annual event that honors local high school athletes, band members and cheerleaders, and awards scholarships to deserving students.
Following in her father's footsteps is Dougs daughter, Brooke Williams, who is Senior Vice President of Membership for the Radio Advertising Bureau. Mr. Williams is also survived by his new grand-daughter Drew, his son-in-law, Ryan Hamby, his sister, Karen Laubhan, sister-in-law, Sue Williams and his beloved dog, Duke. He is preceded in death by his son Drew Williams, his parents G.O. and Lois Williams, his brother Joe Williams and brother-in-law, Doug Laubhan.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Classic Bowl Foundation, with the funeral home accepting the contributions.
Aug12
Interment
Wednesday, August 12, 2020
Elmwood Cemetery
2750 Downs Avenue
Woodward, OK 73801