Samuel Williams Iii

Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK....918-786-2261......Samuel Davis "Dave" Williams III, passed away at Integris Grove General Hospital in Grove, OK on Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the age of 77. A celebration of his life is now planned for 10:30AM Monday, October 20, 2014 at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church with Father Phil Lawrence, presiding. The family will greet friends from 3PM to 5PM on Sunday, October 19, 2014 at the Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home in Grove, OK. He was best known as the owner of the Grand Lake Sports Center for over thirty years before retiring in 2006. During that time, he initiated "Dial-a-Fish" which brought his favorite lake community much attention and tourism. Dave was born on May 13, 1937 in Vallejo, CA, the son of the late Samuel Davis Williams, Jr. and Mable Lena (Stevens) Williams. In 1947 his family moved to the Grove area where his father owned Williams Bait Farm in Tiff City, and then a few years later, he founded the Grand Lake Sports Center Dave was a proud "Ridgerunner" who graduated from Grove High School in 1955. He continued his education at NEO A&M College and Friends University in Wichita, KS. He worked in his family's businesses before moving to Denver, Colorado to pursue new opportunities with other corporate Sporting Goods chains. Ultimately, his charismatic personality and wit brought him into the field of Public Relations. Dave married Carolyn Sue Sloan on November 6, 1975 in Denver, CO and moved back to his hometown of Grove where they became second generation owners of the Grand Lake Sports Center in 1976. He retired in 2006 and his son Sam became the third generation to carry on the ‘family' tradition. Dave stayed on as a gratis consultant and greeter, specializing in customer relations focusing on fishing jokes. Dave was very involved in the community that he loved. He was a Grove volunteer firefighter, member of the Cherokee Area Boy Scouts of America Council, served on the City of Grove Planning and Zoning Board, participated in Grove Little Theatre, and was Master of Ceremonies for many Miss Grand Lake Pageants. He was also a member of the Grove Chamber of Commerce, the Grand Lake Association, and Rotary. In 1998, Dave was honored as Grand Laker of the year for his many accomplishments and giving so much of his time, talent, laughter, and support in service to so many throughout the community. Dave was known for his love of people, his fondness for storytelling and his sense of humor. He truly never met a stranger and he will be greatly missed. He was preceded in death by his parents, son Wesley Williams, and sister Dolores Smith. He is survived by his wife Carolyn; two sons: Samuel Davis Williams IV and his wife Patti of Grove, OK and Joseph Gray Williams of Atlanta, GA; one daughter: Shannon Williams Johnson and her husband John of Little Elm, TX; three grandchildren: Samuel Davis Williams V and Beth Kunitz of Marathon, FL, Krystal Williams Clifford and her husband Graham of Kemah, TX, and Preston Scott Johnson of Little Elm, TX; two great grandchildren: Mia Williams and Elijah Peak; and a host of other relatives and friends. Arrangements are under the direction of Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home, Grove, OK. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to St. Andrew's memorial fund for the purchase of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) or to the charity of their choice. Friends and family may leave notes of encouragement by viewing Dave's Book of Memories at www.honoringmemories.com. Memorial contributions can be made to the St. Andrew's Episcopal Church Memorial Fund or to a charity of the donor's choice.

Visitation Details

Sunday, October 19th, 2014 3:00pm - 5:00pm, Worley-Luginbuel Funeral Home - Grove

Service Details

Monday, October 20th, 2014 10:30am, St. Andrew's Episcopal Church

Interment Details

Olympus Cemetery