Doug Williams, a longtime broadcaster and a past chairman of the Radio Board of the National Association of Broadcasters, has died. He was 78.
“J. Douglas Williams, whose legendary career in broadcasting, law, real estate, education and civic involvement spanned more than five decades, passed away on Friday, Aug. 7, in his beloved hometown of Woodward, Okla., at the age of 78,” stated an obituary.
He was president/CEO of Omni Communications Inc. for 40 years. Omni owns three radio and one TV stations.
“Affectionately known as ‘J. Doug,’ he also entertained and informed Northwest Oklahoma listeners every day as the voice of the ‘Morning Show’ on Woodward station K-101,” according to the obituary, which noted that he was a past recipient of an NAB Marconi Award as Radio Personality of the Year.
The announcement was distributed by the Radio Advertising Bureau, where Williams’ daughter Brooke Williams is senior vice president of membership.
The obituary quoted Woodward Chamber of Commerce President C.J. Montgomery saying, “Doug Williams held a radio station that has become as much a part of the tri-state area as the land and the people that call it home.” That area includes parts of Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.
He held bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Oklahoma and was a former special agent with the FBI. In addition to law and broadcasting, he was a local real estate developer and held executive roles with the G.O. Williams Oil Company and f the G.O. Williams Investment Co. He also was president/GM of a concert and special events production and promotion company.
In addition to his work on the NAB Radio Board, Williams was a board member and former president of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters, and a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters.
“Mr. Williams will also be remembered as the founding producer of The 101 Classic Bowl in Woodward, an annual event that honors local high school athletes, band members and cheerleaders, and awards scholarships to deserving students,” the obituary stated.
In addition to his daughter, Williams is survived by granddaughter Drew and son-in-law Ryan Hamby.
A funeral is planned in Woodward, Okla., on Aug. 12 will be streamed via Billings Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
