Richard Hal Williams ’63

Hal, an eminent history professor and former dean at Southern Methodist University, died Feb. 10, 2016, at home in Dallas from complications of a recent stroke.

Born in Texas, he grew up in Vestal, N.Y., where he met his future wife, Linda, in grade school. At Princeton, Hal graduated Phi Beta Kappa, belonged to Tiger Inn, and played lacrosse. He was active in Orange Key, Campus Fund Drive, and the Undergraduate Schools Committee. Hal roomed in Blair Tower with Frost, Dreher, and Towers. He earned a doctorate from Yale and taught there until 1975.

A mentor to young scholars and an adroit recruiter of faculty, Hal served SMU as its chair of history, dean of humanities and sciences, and dean of research and graduate studies. He also helped guide the University Curriculum, a course of study required of all undergraduates. A popular teacher whose specialty was 19th-century U.S. political history with a focus on California, he wrote or co-wrote multiple books and articles and a high-school textbook that is now in its 10th edition.

The class extends its sympathy to Linda; his daughter, Lise; son Scott; daughter-in-law Lori; grandchildren Ella, Tommy, and Lucy; and Hal’s sister, Patty Irish.