Donal Okeetha Williams

Donal Okeetha Williams

July 26, 1952 – March 7, 2020

Donal Okeetha Williams, the eldest son of Osie Mae and H.C. Williams was born in Omaha, Texas on July 26, 1952. Donal grew up with his five close siblings and extended family in the area. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Omaha under the leadership of Reverend T.H. Davis, where as a young man he accepted Christ as his Savior.

Donal attended Carver High School before transferring to Paul Pewitt High School his senior year where he excelled as a member of the football team, graduating in 1970. He enrolled in Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins, Texas, receiving a Bachelor in Business Administration in 1974. Donal was an alumnus and proud supporter of Jarvis Christian College. He personally contributed his resources and his time as a member of the college’s board of directors.

 Donal married Mae Francis Hood in 1975 and together they raised a daughter, Demitira Traylor and a son, Demonse Williams.

After college Donal began what would be a decades-long successful career in retail merchandising. Starting as an assistant store manager, he spent 23 years with K-mart in various leadership roles, taking assignments in cities across the country including a role as a senior buyer for the company. Later in his career, Donal accepted a management role at Walmart corporate headquarters in Bentonville, AR and retired in 2013 as Senior Director of Merchandise for Sodexo Corporation.

Donal was a natural leader who built teams and helped develop individuals both professionally and in his community.  While in Michigan where he served in management at K-mart corporate headquarters, Donal balanced a busy career with an involved home life, raising his son Demonse. Donal was an active member and sang in the Men’s Choir at Trinity Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Robert E. Bailey. He also coached AAU basketball teams, helping lead young men on and off the court, many of which fondly recall the depth of Donal’s character and his selfless commitment in supporting their success.

Donal loved playing golf with his friends and having endless conversations about sports. Always social and curious about others, Donal was one of the easiest people to talk with. He never met a stranger and loved all people. In recent years he was able to spend important time with his mother, Mrs. Osie Mae Williams and other family members in Omaha.  Donal was recognized for his success and as an example of principled leadership when he was elected to the Board of Directors of his Alma Mater, Jarvis Christian College. In 2019 Donal re-dedicated his life to Christ, capping a life-long commitment as a Christian and Child of God.

Donal passed away in Dallas, Texas on March 7, 2020. Among the many that remain and will miss Donal include his mother, Mrs. Osie Mae Williams, son Demonse Williams, daughters Demitria Traylor and Kennedy Williams, four brothers Larry (Georgia), Gary, Gregory (Joann), Kim Williams and sister Vicki (Charles) Berry, and many nephews and nieces beloved by Donal.

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