Robert Arthur Williamson

Robert Arthur Williamson, known to friends and family as Bob, passed away in his home in Highland Haven, Texas on Monday July 12, 2021 at the age of 74. He is survived by his brother Larry, his wife Jackie, their sons David and Michael, his daughter-in-law Sarah, and three grandchildren Aubrey, Kathryn, and Riley.

Bob was born in Kewanee, Illinois on September 3, 1946 to Irene and James Williamson. He grew up on a farm just outside of Toulon, Illinois, and it was here that he discovered his lifelong passion for hunting and fishing, It was also in Toulon where Bob met Jackie, his high school sweetheart. They got married on March 2nd, 1968. Bob was a high school athlete, and was recognized as an honorable mention on the All State Football Team, Defense. After high school, he leveraged his passion as an avid outdoorsman into a career path by pursuing a BS degree in Biology with a specialization in Wildlife and Fisheries Management.

Partway through his college career, these vocation plans were put on pause when Bob was drafted into the Army to serve in the Vietnam War. Bob left the Army after serving in Vietnam with an honorable discharge and completed his college degree. He then began a 30 year career as a Fish and Wildlife biologist for the State of Illinois while raising two boys and continuing to enjoy his outdoor hobbies. After retiring from his state job, Bob had a successful second career, starting an aquatic plant management company and growing it into a sizable business.

When Bob sold this business several years later, his real retirement began. In 2012, he and Jackie moved to central Texas to be closer to their kids and grandkids and Bob began to fully enjoy his outdoor hobbies which by now had grown to include fishing, hunting, sporting clays, and perhaps his favorite…cowboy action shooting. Yes, this was the start of the infamous “WildCat Bob” which is the name by which he was known by great friends both in Texas and Illinois who shared his love of classic firearms and fast action shooting. Bob not only enjoyed these pastimes, he was also very good at them. He held multiple fishing records and won several shooting competitions as well.

Bob was a trained shooting coach who worked part time at his local shooting club. He did this for the joy of introducing new people to the hobbies he loved. In addition to his sporting hobbies, Bob was also very active in his local church, Highland Lakes United Methodist, where he served as the Treasurer. Bob thoroughly enjoyed the golden years of his life and his family and friends lives are all much richer having known him.

Bob’s visitation service will be held from 5-7pm on Tuesday July 20th, at Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home, 1805 US-281, Marble Falls, TX 78654.

Bob’s funeral service will be held at 10:30am on Wednesday July 21st at Highland Lakes United Methodist Church, 8303 Rand Rd 1431, Buchanan Dam, TX 78609. Pastor Roberta Goodman will be officiating and Grady Roe will deliver the eulogy.

Memorial donations in memory of Bob can be made to Highland Lakes United Methodist Church or to your local food pantry.