H. Stephen Williamson
Hope –Pafford CFO and former president and CEO of Oklahoma’s EMSA, H. Stephen Williamson, died November 3, 2018 at his home in Hope. He was 68.
Jamie Pafford-Gresham, CEO of Pafford EMS in Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Mississippi, stated, “It is with a heavy heart that I acknowledge the passing of my dear friend and EMS colleague, Stephen Williamson. Steve recently joined the Pafford family of companies as our Chief Financial Officer. Steve and his wife, Rebecca, our Chief Compliance Officer, have already made an indelible mark on our company’s future during the short time they have been with us. Steve will be sorely missed by us all. While we will miss him and his steady leadership, intellect, and grace here on Earth, his footprint in EMS and patient care will remain forever.”
A longtime visionary and leader in EMS, Steve Williamson founded EMSA, one of the most renowned EMS systems in the United States. His leadership and commitment to EMS excellence saved innumerable lives in Oklahoma City, Tulsa, and surrounding communities.
Mr. Williamson served on many boards on both the federal and state level, including a long tenure as a board member of the American Ambulance Association (AAA). He led AAA as President from 2010–2012.
In a message to the EMS community, current AAA President Aarron Reinert noted that Williamson was “a giant among his contemporaries who was unwavering in his commitment to excellence in patient care. It is hard to imagine our association or our industry without Steve.”
“The innovation and leadership Steve brought to our profession will be felt for years to come not only in Arkansas and Oklahoma, but across our nation. Steve brought calm, kindness, thoughtfulness, deep listening, and leadership to all that he touched. Steve gave our industry and nation a gift that we will never be able to fully repay.”
Steve Williamson’s family will receive those wishing to pay their respects at a lunch and visitation beginning at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 8, 2018 at Fletcher Hall, attached to the Church. Services will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at Parish of Christ the King Catholic Church, 1520 South Rockford Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma 74120. Internment at Calvary Cemetery 9101 South Harvard Ave, Tulsa, Oklahoma.