William was born in Guthrie, Oklahoma, on August 18, 1940, to Herman Andrew Donihoo and Clara Eugenia Reiff Donihoo. He was raised in Oklahoma alongside his brothers, Robert and Jerry, and spent his entire life in the state he called home.
William graduated from the University of Central Oklahoma. He proudly served nine years in the United States Navy, including service during the Vietnam War. During his final year of service, he held the rank of EN3. William was also a member of the USS Klondike Association.
Following his military service, William dedicated 39 years to serving others through his work at the VA Hospital.
William found great joy in the simple things. His favorite color was blue, and a perfect day for him often included a round of golf. He enjoyed hunting deer and took pleasure in teaching those around him how to hunt. Above all, William cherished his family. He also loved watching NCIS.
William married Ruby Donihoo on July 13, 2001, and together they shared 25 years of marriage filled with love and companionship.
William was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Eugenia Donihoo; his sons, Keith Doak and Allen Doak; his daughter, Diana Doak; his brothers, Robert Donihoo and Jerry Donihoo and his wife, Mary Donihoo; and granddaughter Elizabeth Hays.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Ruby Donihoo; his son, Ray Doak and his wife, Keri Doak, of Guthrie, Oklahoma; his daughter, Rue Donna Wilkins and her husband, Ronnie Wilkins, of Norman, Oklahoma; sister-in-law Edie Donihoo, of Mustang, Oklahoma; daughter-in-law Marilyn Doak of Noble, Oklahoma; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren on the way.
A graveside service for William Donihoo will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma with military honors on Friday, August 28, 2026 at 10:00 a.m.
