Allen M. Williams

Allen “Al” Mayo Williams passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 6, 2024. Al was born on December 28, 1933 in Alameda, California to Lewis Otis and Virginia Dale Mayo Williams. His family moved to Denver, Colorado then eventually to Sallisaw, Oklahoma during Al’s teen years. He attended Sallisaw High School, playing trumpet and French horn in the band, graduating in 1952. He grew up proud of his Cherokee heritage, tracing his ancestry to Nancy Watie, sister of Stand Watie, the only Native American to reach the rank of General in the Civil War.

Al attended Oklahoma University as a freshman. In 1955, Al joined the Army and served his military career at the Presidio in San Francisco. He served his country honorably during the Korean War as an Aerial Photograph Interpreter. He joined the reserves in 1957, completing 4 years of service for our country. He later graduated from the University of Akron in 1972 with a degree in Industrial Engineering.

Al met his first wife, Eleanor “Ellie” while in San Francisco. They married in 1957 and started their family soon after. They were blessed with four wonderful children. 

Al spent many years serving youth as a Boy Scout Leader in Akron, Ohio and in Oklahoma City. With his support many of these youth, including his two sons, earned the rank of Eagle Scout. He also worked with older teens in Explorer Scouts. A memorable trip was the 1976 Explorer Olympics, where his orienteering team won a gold medal! Al also volunteered with SCORE as a counselor working with people starting new businesses and growing existing ones.

Al was employed by Goodyear Aerospace as a Manager of Estimating and Governments contracts in Akron, Ohio and later in Goodyear, Arizona, retiring in 1989. He continued consulting work in estimating for several years.

In 1991 Al married Nancy Cullins Ratzlaff and thus began over 31 years of adventures. They were active members of The United Methodist Church of The Servant and enjoyed participating in their Sunday School group. Al volunteered as a care chaplain for 13 years. Al and Nancy learned of My Heart’s Appeal, an organization promoting opportunities for cognitively challenged youth, donating funds to start a bakery in Monrovia, Liberia. It is named “Al and Nancy Williams Bakery and Coffee Shop” and is still in operation. 

Al and Nancy led a busy social life through his membership in the “Young Men’s Club”, attending dances, poker nights, bridge and other activities. Al loved game nights with family and friends and could play a mean game of Mexican Train. Traveling was ongoing for Al and Nancy. They enjoyed cruises, traveling the world and within the USA visiting many National Parks and Monuments. Al’s interest in the southwest culture led him to acquire a collection of Kachina figures. 

 Al will be lovingly remembered by his wife and best friend, Nancy Sue Williams; children Stephen (Kymberly) Williams, Lewis (Denita) Williams, Amy (Edward Figueroa) Williams, Beth (Michael) Golden; step children Allen (Sherry) Ratzlaff, James (Carrie) Ratzlaff, Susan (Larry) Potts; grandchildren Whitney, Blaine, Patric, Sean, Tiahna, Austin, Kelsey, Nathan, Aidan; step grandchildren Jessica, Wade, Paige, Avery, Hudson, Chelsea; 12 great-grandchildren and numerous other extended family members and friends. He is reunited in heaven with his parents, sister Virginia Woolley, and infant daughter Mary Beth.

A special thanks to Michelle, Sylvia, and Glenda for the loving care they and the other caregivers gave Al while he was at Heaven House.

A Memorial Service will be held August 1 at 10:00 am at The United Methodist Church of the Servant.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the church missions, the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, United Way, or the charity of your choice.