Tribute to Stormy Williams

February 8, 2012 - Ralph Cissne

My friend and mentor Stormy Williams passed on January 28 after suffering with vascular dementia since 2007. He was 90 years old. At his funeral last Saturday, as was his request, there were many touching and hilarious stories about his character and exploits on and off the golf course. He was a legend in Oklahoma golf and touched the lives of many. Here is what I had to say at the service. 

Much of life simply happens. If you take pause and step back you can witness the passing of each moment. And all we have in life are moments.

Then there are those things in life that are within our control. Those of us who play golf understand the difference. You either play it down, and make it happen, or you don’t. And no one in my life understood this more than Stormy Williams.

We first met in 1966. When Stormy walked into the Lake Hefner Golf Club where I worked you knew he was there. He was larger than life and exuded self-confidence, something I instinctively admired and carried with me through the decades that followed.

Jeff and I reconnected in the 90s. Whenever I came to town Jeff, Stormy and I would play a round at Lincoln or have our traditional Luanne Platter at Luby’s Cafeteria. Even when he could no longer play Stormy still offered advice and encouragement. If you asked for it, he would deliver and close with “Tell ‘em where you got it.”

We had moments together just the two of us. After watching the 2007 U.S. Open at his house Stormy shared the story of how he met Pat and how much he loved and missed her. He told me how proud he was of Jeff and Scott, Steve and Debbie. How he thought he’d lived a good life.

There was no doubt about that. I was honored to be his friend. And I told him so every time I saw him.