EVENTS
Rodeo Bronc Rider
Rodeo Judge
Rodeo Publisher
Born in Amarillo, Texas, in 1932, George Williams was raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he got his start rodeoing at competitions held by the Tulsa Mounted Troops. An avid reader of Will James’ books, he badly wanted to be a bronc rider and was already at work breaking horses for pay—earning $10 per head for putting 30 days riding on each mount.
Williams joined the Rodeo Cowboys Association in 1949 and eventually became a good saddle bronc rider. He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo three times (1961, 1963, 1964) and earned his PRCA Gold Card. Back when rodeo judges were elected by contestants, he was selected to judge Denver, Cheyenne and the NFR. He was elected to two terms as bronc-riding director on the RCA board and later served on the NFR Commission. Williams briefly edited Rodeo Sports News (1965-1966) and subsequently served as associate editor of Persimmon Hill magazine and publisher of The Wild Bunch at the National Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center in Oklahoma City.
George Williams was involved with the establishment of the Rodeo Historical Society and helped increase its membership during its early years. In 1981, he was named Rodeo Man of the Year. Today, he raises Foundation-bred American Quarter Horses on his ranch near Scottsdale, Arizona.
