Elmwood Cemetery

Bruce Edward Williamson, a faithful servant, dedicated family man, lifelong sports enthusiast, and king of the backyard grill, passed away on August 13, 2026, surrounded by the family he adored.

Born on January 5, 1962, in Altus, Oklahoma. Bruce grew up with a natural athletic talent and a competitive spirit. He spent his high school years in Woodward, Oklahoma where he excelled on the field, leaving his mark as a standout player in both baseball and football. His passion for sports only grew when he attended Oklahoma State University. As a proud OSU graduate, Bruce bled the brightest orange, and remained an incredibly avid, lifelong fan of the Cowboys, forever wearing his orange and black with pride.

On February 25, 1989, Bruce married the love of his life, Michelle. Together, they built a life filled with laughter, friends, golf, and a lot of pink. Bruce was famously, and happily, the only male in a household completely dominated by women. He wore his title of "Outnumbered Leader" with absolute pride, navigating life surrounded by his wife, his three fiercely loved daughters, and a revolving door of female pets-even the family dogs and cats were girls, a running joke Bruce embraced with a smile and a shake of his head.

His deep love for his girls seamlessly merged with his passion for sports. Bruce didn't just watch from the sidelines; he spent years coaching his daughters' softball teams, teaching them how to swing for the fences, how to be a good sport and show mental toughness, but most importantly, the girls he coached knew there should be "no jicky-jacking". When he wasn't on the softball dirt, Bruce could be found on the golf course, forever chasing the perfect drive, enjoying the quiet of the green, hunting golf balls and trading laughs with his closest friends.

But Bruce's true kingdom was his backyard patio. He reigned supreme over the grill, traeger, and blackstone, mastering feasts and traditions for every holiday. As the ultimate host, he kept the Yacht Rock music playing, the cornhole tournament brackets set and the patio chairs full, finding his deepest joy in hosting massive gatherings of family and lifelong friends under the open sky.

Beyond his backyard and the sports fields, Bruce's heart belonged to his church community. He was a dedicated member of the First Christian Church, where he shared his faith, leadership, and love for music. Bruce served faithfully as a church Elder and brought joy to many every Sunday as a member of the church choir.

In recent years, Bruce stepped into his favorite role yet: grandfather (aka Poo-Poo). His legacy lives on through his beloved wife, Michelle; his three daughters and their families: Whitley Berkbeugler and her husband Seth, Amelia Williamson, and Gracen Reyes and her husband Adrian; and his adored grandson, Sullivan Gray Berkbeugler, who brought an extra spark of joy to his life.

He is further survived by his brother Keith Williamson and wife Diana; sister Paula Haas and husband Dick; sister Donna Johnson and husband Don; and all of his beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families, as well as many friends that became family.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Don and Pauline Williamson, his brother Larry Steven Williamson, and his parents-in-law Steve and Avis Whittaker.

Bruce lived life fully, loved his people fiercely, and left every room brighter than he found it. He will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of sharing a song, a game, or a grilled steak with him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, August 20, 2026, at the First Christian Church in Woodward, Oklahoma. Burial will follow in the Elmwood Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce's honor to the First Christian Church General Fund with the funeral home accepting the contributions on behalf of the family.