Bob Lloyd Williams

CSM (Retired) Bob L. Williams, age 86, of Sandy Springs died July 27, 2016. He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Ann Marie Williams. He is survived by his daughters and sons-in laws, Theresa and William Bodley of Lawrenceville, Cheryl and Michael Cox of Snellville, daughter Patricia Williams of Sandy Springs, Bob Williams, Jr. of Albany, NY, granddaughters and their husbands, Maddy McCoy and Rob Taylor of Virginia, Jennifer and Patrick Maritz of Senoia, grandson Zach Bodley of Atlanta. Great-grandsons Ronan Taylor and Silas Maritz. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1946 at Camp Atterbury, Indiana. All of his military service has been Infantry and most of it has been in the Airborne. He served in the initial occupation of Japan as an infantry rifleman, and infantry rifle squad leader. In 1949 he returned to the United States assigned to the 508th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82d Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, NC as a rifle platoon sergeant. He then went to Fort Benning, Fort Campbell and Japan with the 508th Airborne Regimental Combat Team as a company first sergeant. In 1956 he once again returned to the United States and became a company first sergeant in the 1st Airborne Battle Group, 502d Infantry, 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, KY. Departing for Germany in 1961 he was assigned to 1st Airborne Battle Group, 504th Infantry as an operations sergeant, first sergeant and sergeant major in Headquarters, 1st Battalion, 509th Infantry. In 1966 he became sergeant major of various training brigades. In 1967 he became Battalion Sergeant Major and shortly afterwards was deployed with the 101st Airborne Division to Vietnam. At the end of his tour in Vietnam he returned to Fort Benning and assumed duties of Command Sergeant Major of United States Army Infantry School, one of the highest and most prestigious positions an enlisted infantryman can attain. He served in that capacity until 1970 when he was selected as Command Sergeant Major, Third United States Army, Fort McPherson, Georgia. Among the decorations awarded to him are; Silver Star, Soldiers Medal, Bronze Star 2 OLC with "V" device, Air Medal 16 OLC, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal 2 OLC, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal with 6 additional awards, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Master Parachutist's Badge, Glider Badge and Vietnamese Gallantry Cross with Palm. He retired from the military in 1974 taking a position with Emory Cocke of The Exposition Company of Atlanta. In 1977 he started his second career with Taylor/ Mathis, Perimeter Center Office Park. He was with them for 18 years as a property manager and operations manager. In both of his careers the one thing that thrived on is his association with people. He was married to the love of his life. His family meant the world to him. -He enjoyed casting a line and nobody could grow a better tomato. Graveside Services, with Full Military Honors, will be held Wednesday, August 3, 2016 at 11a.m. in Arlington Memorial Park in Sandy Springs. Memorial contributions may be made to Emory-St. Joseph Hospital, 5665 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30342. Sandy Springs Chapel Funeral Directors, 136 Mt. Vernon Hwy. NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.