Robert E Williams

Robert E. “Bob” Williams, 94, passed away peacefully in the presence of his family at his home in Hobe Sound, Florida, on August 31, 2021. He was born in Lafayette, Indiana, on November 22, 1926, to Clarence R. and Irene Hoffman Williams.

Raised in the shadow of Columbian Park in Lafayette, Bob graduated from Lafayette Jefferson High School and continued his education at Purdue University, where he graduated in 1948. While at Purdue he was a member of Acacia Fraternity. Bob then attended law school at West Virginia University.

Bob began a career in radio broadcasting in Indiana in various cities and at various stations. He then became Administrative Assistant to The Honorable John V. Beamer, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Indiana’s 5th District. After moving to Washington, D.C., Bob served as Legislative Assistant at the Federal Aviation Administration, Legislative Manager for the Air Transport Association and he finished his career as Director of Legislative Affairs for United Airlines where he retired after 30 years. Bob also served as President of the D.C. Young Republicans and was Vice Chairman of the Ronald Reagan Inaugural Committee. In the less rancorous and more bipartisan era than is present today, Bob was equally at home conferring with and convincing colleagues at the National Democratic Club and the Capitol Hill Club, both of which were memberships that he enjoyed and treasured.

While in Washington D.C., Bob had the great fortune to meet Patrice “Pat” Byrne, the daughter of The Honorable Emmet Byrne, member of the U.S. House of Representatives from the 3rd District of Illinois. Pat, a Chicago native, was living and working for her father on Capitol Hill. That chance encounter led a few years later to Pat and Bob being married in Washington, D.C. on November 26, 1963. They began their life together in Georgetown, then McLean, Virginia; Lincolnshire, Illinois; and ultimately made their home in Potomac, Maryland. Travel for both work and pleasure took Bob and Pat, and often their young family, all over the United States, the Caribbean, Asia and Europe. Nerja, Spain became a favorite annual second home, where the couple met, and remained friends with, a diverse and eclectic collection of kindred spirits for almost 30 years.

After retiring from United Airlines in 1993, Bob consulted for various groups in the commercial aviation industry. In 1999 he and Pat moved to Hobe Sound, Florida. The couple continued to travel domestically and internationally until recent health issues prevented Bob from making his beloved trips. Bob was a member of St. Christopher Catholic Church of Hobe Sound, American Legion Post 25 in Stuart, and he was also active for many years volunteering at Jupiter Medical Center, where he loved bringing donuts to the staff.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers C. Raymond Williams, Jr., and James Williams, and his young sons Richard Williams and Gregory Williams.

In addition to his beloved wife Pat, Bob is survived by his daughter Debi Platt of Reston, Virginia, his daughter Meg (PJ) Dietrick of Indianapolis, Indiana and his son Brian Williams of Arvada, Colorado. Bob also leaves a legacy of 10 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren, all of whom he loved very much and made him very proud.

The family would like to express their gratitude for all of Bob’s compassionate and thoughtful caregivers, particularly Ritha and the entire hospice staff at Vitas Healthcare. Arrangements are entrusted to Aycock Funeral Home in Stuart, Florida. Memorial tributes may be made at youngandprill.com. The family will hold a private memorial mass at St. Christopher Catholic Church.