Service Held for James Edward Williams
James Edward ‘Sonny’ Williams passed away in OKC on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 70 years.
Sonny is the son of Jess & Pauline (Harjo) Wiliams, born on November 16, 1955, in Seminole, Oklahoma. He was brought up and attended schools in Seminole, graduating Seminole High School with the Class of 1973 with a “D” in English and an “A” in Football. He joined the U.S. Navy and served six years, from 1976 till 1982, aboard the USS Constellation and the USS Midway. He married Tammy Lyn Merriman on April 23, 1983, in Ada, Oklahoma. He worked for several years in the oil field, in various places but mostly in Oklahoma. When oil field work slowed, he worked ten years at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester and also as janitor for Seminole Schools. He moved to Batesville, Arkansas in 2001 and worked in highway construction for the Arkansas Highway Department until his health failed and he retired in 2007. Sonny’s favorite thing was working on vehicles, especially trucks, and tinkering with anything he could rebuild or repair. He enjoyed camping and fishing, laughing with folks and laughing at folks, and being a mentor to young people. He loved harassing his grandkids and spending time with family. He was a diehard OU fan and a member of the American Legion of Batesville, Arkansas. Sonny was a proud member of the Seminole Nation, Nurcup Harjo Band, Wind Clan.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Jess & Pauline Williams; five sisters: Maxine, Christine, Irene, Sue Marie ‘Baby’, and Loisetta ‘Sister’.
He is survived by his wife of forty-two years, Tammy, of the home; four children: Jesse Williams (Nicole) of Norman, Kyle WIlliams (Rhonda) of Oklahoma City, Jason Tiger (Sheena) of Okemah, and Sunny Williams of Holdenville; fourteen grandchildren: Gavin, Millie, Hannah, Riley, Canugee, Ryleigh, Chloie, Kaleb, Duke, Jayden, Leah, Jaxen, Jorden, and Lila; one sister, Nowatha ‘Big Baby’ Cope; nieces and nephews, other family members, and many friends.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 10:30am at Faith Free Will Baptist Church, with military honors by the Seminole Nation Honor Guard. Rev. Earl Scroggins and Rev. Tom Azlin are the officiating ministers. Pallbearers are Jayden Williams, Sunny Williams, Joseph Ramsey, Shon Griffis, Robert Merriman, Jason Tiger, and Jared Gibson. Honorary pallbearers are Robert Keith Merriman, Peewee Harwood, Andy Merriman, Gary Merriman, Danny Merriman, Michael Merriman, Steve Grady, and Chucky Harmon.
Wake service will be Monday, December 15, 6:00pm at Fisher Funeral Home-Lillye Chapel. Viewing at the funeral home will be Monday, December 15, 10:00am till 6:00pm.
