William Southmayd

William Clark Southmayd (Bill), 91, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 17, 2018 to be with his Lord and Savior. He is survived by his daughter, Janet Holcomb, and her husband, Kenneth; son, William Clark Southmayd Jr., and his wife Patricia; as well as grandchildren Laura Holcomb Gardner, Benjamin David Holcomb, Sarah Southmayd Tannahill and William David Southmayd. He was preceded in death by his older brother Laban Howell Southmayd, Jr. on February 18, 2005 and wife Sybil Drake Southmayd on March 17, 2006. Bill was well known as a loving family man, friend without pretense, consummate professional, avid golfer, adventurous traveler and gifted singer. He was a man of deep faith and integrity with a generous nature. He loved life and lived it to the fullest. Bill was born October 3, 1926 and raised in Eldorado, Arkansas by his parents Laban Howell Southmayd, Sr. of Van Buren, Arkansas and Olive Wood Southmayd of Paris, Arkansas. His father was a local attorney who attended the University of Arkansas and Harvard Law School. His mother also attended the University of Arkansas and was one of the earliest female degree recipients in 1912, graduating in only three years. She and Bill were also recognized as descendants of the Mayflower. Bill matriculated to the University of Arkansas at age 15 under a special program that allowed dual application of credits to high school and college. He spent two wonderful years as a loyal brother of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and avid Razorback football fan. He also developed an interest in the petroleum industry from summer jobs working in the office of the Arkansas Oil and Gas Commission and roustabouting for Lion Oil Company of El Dorado. In January 1945 he was inducted and followed his brother's lead by joining the Navy. Bill served on Navy USS PC 1139, U-Boat patrol vessel, along the Pacific coast as a radio electronic technician's mate towards the end of World War II. He was honorably discharged in July 1946 receiving the American Theater Medal and Victory Medal. After the war he returned to the university for a year. Bill transferred to the University of Oklahoma in 1947 to pursue a degree in petroleum engineering. At OU he added an allegiance to the Sooners and was a member of the men's Glee Club. He also worked one summer for Kerr McGee as a mud engineer on one of the first offshore oil platforms in the Gulf of Mexico. He received his degree in 1949. After graduation Bill held reservoir engineering positions with both Phillips Petroleum in Minden, Louisiana and Murphy Oil in El Dorado, Arkansas. In 1955 he moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma and joined Raymond F. Kravis and Associates as a reservoir engineer. There he served as President for 20 years of a 40-year tenure. He subsequently purchased the firm, re-naming it to Southmayd and Associates, and operated it for an additional 10 years until his retirement. He was a registered Professional Engineer and a long-time member of the Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers. While working in Minden, Bill was set up on a blind-date with local music teacher Sybil Drake who became the love of his life and wife of over 54 years. He loved spending time with family and friends, keeping them smiling with a fun-loving sense of humor. Many an evening was spent singing around the piano as Sybil played. In addition, he traveled extensively with Sybil and family. Bill also had a passion for playing golf. He was an active member of Southern Hills Country Club with several tournament trophies to his credit. He even arranged yearly golf excursions for his golf buddies, known as "The Dawn Patrol." Bill served numerous organizations over the years. He was a member and two-year leader of Hillcrest Associates, followed by four years on the board of trustees for Hillcrest Medical Center. He also volunteered at the Tulsa Boys Home as a member of the Nicholas Club. A life-long Presbyterian, Bill served in many church leadership positions, including Elder. Additionally, he contributed his resonant tenor voice to various secular and church choirs, most recently with the "Singing Men" at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Viewing will be held on Thursday, October 4 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rosewood Chapel. Services will be held at First Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma on Friday, October 5th at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary, followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. Moore's Rosewood Chapel, 744-1202.

William Southmayd

October 3, 1926 - September 17, 2018