Steven Wayne Williams

Steven Wayne Williams, 57, of Greenleaf State Park, Braggs, OK, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, April 12, 2012. Steve was born on May 7th, 1954 in Idabel, Oklahoma to the late Dorothy Williams Towns of Braggs, OK and Robert Williams of Idabel, OK. Steve began working for the Oklahoma Tourism & Recreation department right after college and was just recently recognized for serving 35 years with the Dept. In these 35 years, he was Park Manager for some of the most beautiful state parks in Oklahoma – Robbers Cave in Wilburton, Beavers Bend in Broken Bow, and Greenleaf in Braggs. He was current manager of Greenleaf, Tenkiller, and Cherokee Landing State Parks. Steve was one of 2 park managers chosen to be hired on to a pilot program in 1977 called the “Park Manager Trainee” program, where he worked as an assistant learning the ropes of the Park Manager’s job. He has since mentored multiple trainees throughout his career with this program until its end. Steve has been one of the most highly respected managers in the state. He managed Beavers Bend State Park and helped it become the first state park in Oklahoma to operate at a profit. He was also recognized several times by the Governor. He received the Governor’s pen for volunteer work during the aftermath of the Alfred P. Murrah bombing tragedy in Oklahoma City. He also received the Governor’s Commendation and Recognition for building the first total handicapped-accessible cabin in an Oklahoma State Park. Steve was named Oklahoma’s Park manager of the year in 2000. Under his leadership, Greenleaf State Park received numerous awards such as: Oklahoma’s Park of the Year in 1997 and 2005, Tourism Industry’s Native Beauty Award in 1996, and named Best of the Best State Resorts by Oklahoma Family Magazine from 2000-2005. Steve was an avid outdoorsman and athlete. He had a love for hunting and fishing that was second only to his love for his family and friends. Two of Steve’s achievements include running the Tulsa Run in 2005-06 and most recently in 2011 at the age of 57; and participating in the Polar Bear Plunge this past January in Tulsa. He has also been active in the community. He is a former treasurer of first Baptist church in Gore, former Sunday school teacher and coach of youth basketball, soccer, football and softball. Steve had a passion for mentoring young children and helping them succeed no matter the obstacle; and coached his children’s sports teams for many years. Steve also served as VP of the Greater Tenkiller Area Association for several years. Steve and the love of his life, Sandy McNeal, were married on June 15, 1974. They started off as high-school sweethearts and have remained the love of each other’s lives for the last 37 years. They have spent every second together during those years; and one of their favorite pastimes included boating on Lake Tenkiller and attending church together. The pride and joy of their lives were their two children, Jennifer and Bryan Williams. Steve was one of the most loving fathers and cherished his family more than anything. He would do anything for his family no matter how great; and that is evident by the amount of love and respect that his family has for him. His daughter, Jennifer, is now a pediatrician in Dallas, Texas; and his son, Bryan, is now training for a management career in Dallas. Steve was preceded in death by parents and his brother-in-law, Jerry McNeal. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sandy; daughter, Dr. Jennifer Williams and son, Bryan Williams, both of Dallas, TX; his two brothers, Bob Williams and wife, Nancy of Idabel, OK, Joe Williams and wife, Kelly of Chattanooga, TN; one nephew, Heath Williams and wife, Diana, along with their daughter Ashlee of Houston, TX; one niece, Sarah Carlgren of Puyallup, Washington; two brother-in-laws, Hugh McNeal and wife, Pam of Bennington, OK and Arnold McNeal and wife, Nancy of Idabel, OK; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He is also leaving behind numerous employees and friends. The celebration of Steve’s life will be 2:00 p.m., Tuesday April 17th, 2012 at Greenleaf State Park Lodge with Kerry White leading the service. Pallbearers will be Aron Maib, Randy Rogers, Chris Parrington, Mickey Hamby, David Keith, and Stan Sheffield. Honorary pallbearers will be Diana Rutland and John Kilgore. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, April 16, 2012 at Cornerstone Funeral Home. Flowers will be accepted or for a donation to Greenleaf State Park, contact Diana Rutland at (918) 487-5196.

Steven Wayne Williams

May 7, 1954 - April 12, 2012