William Clayton Lunsford

William Clayton Lunsford, age 80, of Jenks, Oklahoma, passed away peacefully on April 12, 2025, after a brief illness. Born on July 16, 1944, in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to Helen and Claud Lunsford, he was a son, brother, husband, father, and friend whose life was filled with a spirit of adventure, hard work and an unwavering love for his family. Bill grew up in Bartlesville where his love for sports was evident from a young age. He was a standout athlete in high school, excelling in football and baseball earning the respect of his peers and coaches alike. Bill pursued a business degree from Oklahoma State University where he met his first wife and the mother of his two daughters, Amy and Betsy. He then completed his MBA from the University of Oklahoma, a decision that would shape his career and open doors to opportunities in the business world. After leaving OU in 1968, Bill enlisted in the ROTC and was a Green Beret with the U.S. Army Special Forces unit for 6 years. Bill began his career at Sungas Liquids in 1969 where he excelled in various positions and received numerous promotions. While working at Sun he met the love of his life, Teresa Guest. He moved to Texas in 1981, to become the President of the Liquid Petroleum Gas Division and Teresa soon followed as they were married in 1982. In 1987, he made a career move to be closer to his beautiful daughters and transitioned to education. He became the Director of the Business Assistance Center teaching and mentoring entrepreneurs with the same dedication he showed throughout his career. He was known for his practical wisdom, leadership and tenacity. Bill was not just a dedicated professional, but also a man of simple pleasures and great passions. He had a deep appreciation for the finer things in life, especially good whiskey, a glass of red wine, and yearly trips to Maui, where he and Teresa found peace and joy in the island's beauty. Bill had a special bond with his basset hounds, who were his loyal companions through every phase of his adult life. Above all, Bill's greatest joy came from his family. He is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Teresa; daughter Amy Meyer and husband Allen; step-daughter Hayley Vann and husband Kevin; daughter Betsy Smith and husband Steve; grandchildren Kathryn and husband Holden; Tatum and husband Jake; Ben and wife Makenzie; Brock, Jenna, Beth, Gracie Jane, Jaycie and Jayleigh; great grandchildren Dynasti, Derriana, Nyliah, Graham and Callum; sister Sara Jane Cantey and husband Sam. He was preceded in death by his parents Helen and Claud Lunsford and his grandson David Meyer. Bill may be gone, but his legacy of love, hard work and fun will continue to inspire all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten. A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Monday, April 21st at 2pm at Fitzgerald Chapel, 3612 E 91st St., Tulsa, OK 74137. Rest in peace, Wild Bill. You were one of a kind. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Skiatook Paws and Claws.

William Clayton Lunsford

July 16, 1944 - April 12, 2025