Former TPA general manager Lyndell Williams dies

Lyndell Williams, 84, executive vice president of Texas Press Association for 24 years, died Dec. 29, 2007, in Oklahoma City following a series of strokes.

Williams’ association with TPA dates back to May 1, 1974, when he became TPA's new general manager. He succeeded Bill Boykin.

TPA members: Have a personal note or comment about Lyndell Williams and his years of service to TPA? Share it with us for our memorial tribute. Read memorials here.

Williams came to TPA after 13 years as assistant manager of the Oklahoma Press Association. His departure was viewed as such a loss to Oklahoma that OPA manager Ben Blackstock sent an invoice to TPA for 13 years of "job training."

When Williams arrived in Austin, he quickly instituted a high-energy campaign to put TPA on solid financial ground and upgrade its member services. Within a short period of time, he had retired a $35,000 debt and had begun building cash reserves in excess of $2 million.

Shortly after accepting the TPA manager's position, Williams introduced such new ideas as the annual trade show, the advertising short course, newswriting clinics and newspaper accounting seminars. He also spearheaded the addition of the permanent computer lab at TPA headquarters (now the TPA Mobile Lab) and weekend computer training sessions.

A 1950 graduate of Oklahoma University with a bachelor of science degree in business administration and minors in marketing and economics, Williams first entered the workforce as advertising manager of the Holdenville (Okla.) Daily News. His performance led to his promotion as news editor and later as assistant publisher. He resigned in 1961 to join OPA. In 1982 he was inducted into the Oklahoma Journalism Hall of Fame.

Prior to college, Williams served during World War II as a member of the U.S. Army Signal Corps, 87th Infantry Division. He saw action in the European Theater of Operation and was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries received in action.

Williams’ business philosophy is summed up in a statement he made early in his TPA career. His devotion to member services was obvious when a co-worker commented that the frequent telephone calls were interrupting the daily workflow. Williams replied, "A member is not an interruption of our work ... he is the reason for it!"

Williams personally handled business inquiries and researched issues and questions for TPA members. His vast knowledge in all areas - from advertising and sales management to legislative issues, association management, libel questions, business procedures and newspaper production - gained him wide respect as an expert in the industry.

For many years, he authored a column, "Williams' Wanderings," for the TPA Messenger to share his expertise and keep publishers abreast on the latest issues involving the newspaper business. He edited the State Capital Highlights column that appeared in nearly 150 Texas newspapers each week.

Williams retired from TPA June 30, 1998, and current executive director Micheal Hodges took over.

Survivors include sons Tony of Richardson and Jerry of Oklahoma City; and three grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial donations be made to Newsroom 101 Program, 9000 N. Broadway, Oklahoma City, Okla. 73114 or the University of Oklahoma Journalism Scholarship Program, c/o the Smith & Kernke Funeral Directors, 14624 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73134.