Obituary for Gary McWilliams

Gary Steele McWilliams

August 15, 1935 – July 31, 2024

Gary McWilliams of Tonkawa, Oklahoma, died July 31, 2024, in the Ponca City Nursing Home, Ponca City, Oklahoma, at the age of 88.

Gary Steele McWilliams was born on August 15, 1935 in Eddy, Oklahoma to James Hockaday and Alpha (Bryant) McWilliams. He attended Lamont High School and graduated with the class of 1954. He attended Okmulgee Tech for two years after graduating from high school. He spent 2 years in Chicago working with the Hartford Insurance Company. Upon returning to Oklahoma, Gary worked for Albright Insurance in Newkirk and then eventually owned his own insurance company in Newkirk. He then worked for Wilkins Equipment. He farmed and ranched in the Kaw Country. He loved to coyote hunt. He raised paint horses and was a member of the Paint Horse Association, Draft Horse Association and co-founding member of the Newkirk Range Riders. He loved spending time with his kids, grandkids, great grandkids, going out to eat, coyote hunting with his grandson Levi and visiting on the phone with his many friends especially Bob, Andy, Larry and Warren.

His survived by three daughters, Tammy McWilliams of Newkirk, Lindy Merz and husband Dave of Newkirk, and Cindy Hall and husband Richard of Newkirk; one son, Newt McWilliams and companion Susan Engle of Blackwell; two brothers, Jimmy McWilliams and wife Pat of Edmond, Oklahoma, and Wade McWilliams and wife Joel of Tulsa, Oklahoma; eight grandchildren, Denise Hall, Levi McWilliams, Jamie McWilliams, Chuck McWilliams, Chase McWilliams, Jace Hall, Mason Meeks and Koby Meeks; 10 great grandchildren and nephews and nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his companion of over 20 years, Norene Brown; and his great grandson, Ryder.

A reception is scheduled for Saturday, August 17th from 10:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Newkirk Senior Citizens Center in Newkirk. Come ready to share stories and memories.