R.I.P.: Doug Williams, Legendary OK Broadcaster

Doug Williams

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 Woodward, OK, at the age of 78.

For 40 years, Mr. Williams served as President and CEO of Omni Communications, Inc. 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, a former winner of the prestigious Marconi Award. Mr. Williams himself previously received a Marconi Award as "Radio Personality of the Year."

As a corporation, Omni Communications owns three radio stations and one television station. Williams was also the President and General Manager of Omni Media Group, a concert/special events production and promotion company.

Before officially beginning his legal career, he served for four years as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation at the FBI's Field Offices in Washington, DC, and Birmingham, along with the Bureau's Los Angeles Division headquarters.

Mr. Williams was a true entrepreneur who reveled in multitasking. While launching his careers as a broadcaster and lawyer in Woodward, he also established himself as a local real estate developer. He later worked as Vice President and General Counsel of the G.O. Williams Oil Company, and General and Managing Partner of the G.O. Williams Investment Company.

Among his professional affiliations, Mr. Williams was a member of the National Association of Broadcasters, and was previously elected Chairman of the NAB's Radio Board. He was a board member of the Oklahoma Association of Broadcasters and a former president of the organization, while also being a member of the Texas Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Williams frequently spoke on broadcasting issues at local colleges such as Oklahoma State University, the University of Oklahoma and Texas Tech University.