Bill Lillard

Billy Jack "Bill" Lillard was born June 30, 1925, in Wilburton, OK, to Georgia Nichols Lillard and Smith A. Lillard. He died at his home in Oklahoma City on Sept. 18, 2012. Bill graduated from Durant High School in 1941, and joined the U.S. Navy in 1943 at age 17. He left Oklahoma City on his 18th birthday to enter the naval officer's training program. He became a Radarman 3rd Class and served aboard Escort Commander U.S.S. P.C. 824 in the Pacific. Bill completed his B.A. in Education at Southeastern State University in Durant, OK. He first taught social studies at Capitol Hill Jr. High School, where he met another instructor, Mary Helen Witten of Britton, OK, who became his wife in August 1950. Bill earned Masters' and Doctorate degrees in education at the University of Oklahoma as he worked as counselor and assistant principal in the Oklahoma City Public Schools. He also worked briefly in the Kansas City, KS, area but returned to the Oklahoma City Public School System to take the position as Director of the Educational Television and Radio Broadcasting Center. He served as Director of Secondary Education for two years, assistant superintendent for one year and eventually as Superintendent of the Oklahoma City Public Schools form 1966-1975, leading the district through the desegregation era. Dr. Lillard then served the University of Central Oklahoma for a record 17 years as President, from July 1, 1975 to June 30, 1992. He served as President as the institution changed its name from Central State College to UCO, and at a time when many new degree programs were established. He participated as a member of several educational associations, and was also active in organizations including Rotary Club International #29 and St. Eugene Catholic Church, where he and Mary Helen were founding members. The Lillards established a garden on the UCO campus as a memorial to their beloved daughter Louise, who died in 1974 at the age of 18. Dr. Lillard was preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather, A.M. Odom, brother George Eugene Lillard, beloved daughter Louise, and his wife Mary Helen, who passed away last year. He is survived by nieces Patti and Donna, nephews Ted, Danny and Bill and a large extended family. The family wishes to thank Bill's best friend, Paul and his thoughtful neighbors and friends who assisted him greatly in his final year. They also commend the many caring aides and his visiting nurse Jenny from Accentra Home Health Care Agency. A Memorial Mass will be held in honor of Bill Lillard at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26, at St. Eugene Catholic Church at 2400 West Hefner Rd. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that a donation be made to a scholarship fund of your choice.