Mark Williams

Mark Williams, Oklahoma City’s most enthusiastic citizen, died peacefully at home on Friday, April 24 surrounded by his wife, Carol, and his two daughters, Cathey and Amy. He was the only son of Clara and Charles Williams and was known as “Banca” to five his grandchildren, Charley, Cade, AnnMarie, Reed, and Wylie.

Mark was an athlete from an early age. He learned everything he needed on the football field, wrestling mat, and baseball diamond. Controlled conflict in pursuit of a win was his MO as an athlete. He used these lessons in business, boardrooms, and when selflessly volunteering to support any organization that would make Oklahoma City a better place to live for all citizens.

Someone needs to sit and listen attentively in nonprofit meetings to ensure that the best outcome is achieved, that someone was Mark. He is a past board chairman of the Oklahoma Center for Nonprofits, the American Red Cross of Central Oklahoma, the Northwest Chamber of Commerce, and the Oklahoma Baptist University Alumni Association. He also served on the Board of Directors of The Oklahoma City All Sports Association, First Tee, Leadership Oklahoma, Youth Leadership Exchange, and Sooner State Games. He was a Life Member of the Urban League of Greater Oklahoma and a member of Greater Oklahoma City Chamber.

Mark was awarded the President’s Volunteer Award in 2013 and was also honored by Leadership Oklahoma with the Helping Oklahoma Award for his leadership of the Red Cross of Central and Western Oklahoma following the devastating tornado that ravaged Moore, Oklahoma in May 2013. In 2017, he received the March of Dimes Sports Headliner Lifetime Achievement award for his work with the NCAA Women’s College World Series. 

Mark’s work life was spent at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, now AT&T, where he spent 36 years. He started as an Account Executive in 1981, and in 2010, he became Director - Legislative Affairs which gave him an opportunity to interact with legislators on both sides of the aisle. In this capacity, Mark got to know the legislators and appreciate their commitment to the people of Oklahoma. After his retirement in 2017, he joined the Research Institute for Economic Development as president. 

In August of 2018, Mark was diagnosed with interstitial lung disease. Since he was unacquainted with giving up, he fought this by taking control of the narrative. He continued to work until 2020 when he retired from RIED but not from life. He continued to exercise, until he couldn’t, he read several newspapers each day and consumed sporting events on three screens and a radio.

Mark had to believe he could win his battle with lung disease. Throughout the long progression, he spoke about this condition as if it were a normal complaint, usually allergies or a sinus infection. He knew it was something much bigger, but that seemed like defeat. His family and friends have lovingly decided to comply with Mark’s perspective; if anyone asks, he died of seasonal allergies.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026 at 1:00 PM at the Casady Chapel (9500 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Oklahoma City, OK). In retirement, Mark traded his suits and ties for khakis and polos. Please do the same. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The First Tee of Metropolitan Oklahoma City, a youth development organization that enables kids to thrive, build confidence, and resilience through junior golf programs.