Dan Hamil Williams

Dan Hamil Williams, 85, known to most as Danny Williams or "3-D Danny", one of the most popular, well known, radio and TV Personalities in Oklahoma passed away peacefully on February 18, 2013 at his home with his devoted wife of 34 years, Maureen, at his side. He enjoyed almost eight decades of robust health and an active lifestyle most would find difficult to maintain. Danny was born April 21, 1927 in Fort Worth, TX, the son of Julius Berry and Irene Williams. He is now reunited with his parents, along with his sister Maude Mullins, brother J.B. Williams, his first loving wife, Marilyn and his daughter, Suzanne Williams Clark. Danny graduated from Polytechnic High School, Ft. Worth, TX in 1944, and then later the same year joined the United States Navy. He was honorably discharged in 1946. Danny attended North Texas Agricultural College in Arlington, TX before graduating from the University of Texas, Austin, with a Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts 1949. His major was Broadcast Journalism. It was his cousin, George Ann, who noted his enigmatic personality and outspoken charm and suggested he become a disc jockey. In 1947, he began his radio career in Texas and also met his first wife Marilyn Maher whom he married in May. A call from WKY Radio-TV in 1950 brought Danny to Oklahoma City. Danny was a pioneer in Oklahoma television, he produced and starred in numerous shows and was also the highest rated radio personality in the market for over 40 years. These shows became household staples. Danny loved his fans just as much as they loved him. He shared his knowledge and experience with his many co-workers over the years. Danny always had great love and respect for the Gaylord family. He would often say that working for the Gaylords helped him raise his own family. He married Maureen Townsend in July 1978 and they shared 34 entertaining and memorable years together. Danny found joy in playing at the many beautiful golf courses in Oklahoma, sharing his latest jokes and learning some new ones. Throughout the year, Danny would collect names of the best places to take his bird dogs to hunt quail and enjoy the camaraderie of his hunting buddies. Danny enjoyed riding horses in Oklahoma parades, which allowed him to be close and shake hands with his fans. All this being said, Danny always felt fortunate to share his life with Oklahomans and loved every opportunity to be with them. He was also a big fan of the OKC Thunder and was especially proud of Clay Bennett for bringing Oklahomans together in style with the team. Family always came first with Danny. He is survived by his wife, Maureen; his daughters, Shelley and her husband Manuel Flores, Shevaun and her husband Terence Heckart, and Sheridan and her husband Tom Hooper; grandchildren, Trey Clark and his wife Crystal, Elizabeth Gill and her husband Joe, Jacy Little and his wife Erin, Cheyne Little, Patrick Hooper, and Drew Hooper; great-grandchildren, Clementine Little, Oscar Little, Victoria Gill and Drake Hoffman; mother-in-law, Glennie Townsend; brother-in-law, Bud Townsend and his wife Betty; special extended relatives, Will Townsend and his wife Erica, Linc Townsend and Jim Burtschi; numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, many special friends and partners in radio & TV. The family would like to thank Danny's doctors, nurses and caregivers for the excellent care; And most especially thereafter, the teamwork and dedication of the participants in the fabulous farewell tributes to the life and adventures of "3-D Danny"…Danny Williams. The family would love for all of his fan family and friends to join for a Celebration of Danny's remarkable life at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2013 at the Oklahoma History Center. Memorial donations may be made to the Oklahoma History Center, 800 Nazih Zuhdi Dr., Oklahoma City, OK 73105.