William Paul “Rusty” Williams

OKLAHOMA CITY - William Paul “Rusty” Williams was born May 20, 1962 in Oklahoma City, OK to his parents William Patrick and Bonna Faye (Cole) Williams. He passed away Monday, October 4, 2021 in Oklahoma City, OK at the age of 59 years, 4 months and 15 days. Rusty was raised in south Oklahoma City and attended Western Heights, graduating in 1980. As a youngster he was active in the Southside Sooners sports program. He welcomed his only sister, Kim in 1968. Rusty continued sports in both junior and high school for the Jets. He lost his mother to cancer in the spring of 1980 prior to his graduation and his father passed before he turned twenty. Rusty was fortunate to have his cousin Bill Armstrong mentor him after graduation starting in the oilfield as a landman. It didn’t take Rusty long to realize being away from south OKC was not for him. Bill then introduced him to the residential appraisal business where he remained, eventually owning his own company until his health would no longer allow him to do so. In 1984 Rusty married Becky (Figer) and they were blessed with two sons, Robert Lee and Patrick Cole. Rusty was extremely proud to start his boys in their sports with the Southside Sooners, coaching both in baseball, basketball and football. He continued to follow his boys’ athletics and could be seen pacing the sidelines during junior and high school games. Another proud moment was when each of the boys’ started kindergarten with Mrs. James at John Glenn Elementary as he did. In 2013 Cole married Kelsey (Self ) and in 2014 he was promoted to Poppy when his first granddaughter Piper was born. By the end of 2019 he had gained two more granddaughters, Daphne and Silver. Additionally, Robert happily welcomed his son, giving Poppy his only grandson, Ryland Lee. Rusty was proud of his boys’ and their accomplishments. He enjoyed spending the holidays and birthday parties with his Williams crew. Rusty reconnected with his childhood classmate Tracie (Foster) and the two were married May 13, 2020. The joining of their families allowed them to spend time with their combined 7 children, 10 grandchildren and dog, Ella Fitzgerald. Rusty was always calling them Knuckleheads and putting a smile on their faces and sharing hugs and “bro” hugs. Rusty is survived by wife, Tracie; his children, Robert, Erick, OK and Cole and wife, Kelsey, OKC, OK; 4 grandchildren, Piper, Daphne, Silver and Ryland; his sister, Kim Guz and husband Kevin, Frisco, TX; one niece, Jolie; one nephew, J. R. and a host of other relatives and friends. A celebration of life will be held Thursday, October 7, 2021 at the Southlakes Park Clubhouse in South Oklahoma City at 11:00 am. Services are under the direction of John Ireland Funeral Home, Moore.