Robert Leland Williams

Robert Leland Williams January 20, 1930 ~ February 27, 2018 (age 88) Bob was born January 20, 1930 in Hayward, CA. He was a true patriot and chose to join the United States Merchant Marines at a very early age. In fact, Bob fudged his date of birth in order to enlist at the early age of 14 because he wanted to do his part for World War II. He was in the Merchant Marines from 1944-45 and later served in the United States Army from 1947 to 1948 when he was honorably discharged.

Bob was a blacksmith for 42 years, the last 34 for the Port of San Francisco.

Bob was a member of Calvary Chapel of Modesto. He was an avid fan of Bay Area sports teams: the San Francisco Giants, the Oakland A’s, and the San Francisco 49ers. Bob loved the beauty of the outdoors and visiting places like Yosemite and El Dorado and Tahoe National Forests. He enjoyed family vacations and took the family to Disneyland, camping, Alaska and on a cruise to Ensenada. Bob taught his three sons to bowl and was on a bowling team with them in Hayward. He was also an ombudsman for the elderly and would often visit rest homes to spend time with seniors.

Bob died of natural causes on February 27, 2018. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 55 years, Pauline, of Modesto; and his two sons, Mike Williams (Diane) of Newman; and Gary Williams (Linda) of Discovery Bay. Bob was preceded in death by his son Ricky Williams. Bob has five grandchildren: Ronelle Nesper (Roland), Ryan Williams, Richard Williams, Jerrod Williams (Angela), and Jenna Starkweather (Scott); Seven great grandchildren: Alexis Williams, Taylor Williams, Justin Nesper, Jayden Nesper, Jorden Nesper, Hank Williams and Nora Starkweather. Bob also raised two others as his own: Daniel Curtis and Debbie Lewis (Paul).

Bob is loved by his family and friends and will be missed dearly.

Closed casket visitation will be Monday, March 5, from 4-8 pm, in the Heritage Chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home, 900 Santa Fe Ave., Hughson, Calif.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, March 6, at 9:30 am in the Heritage Chapel at Lakewood Funeral Home.

Following the memorial service, a committal service will be held on Tuesday, March 6, at 12:30 pm at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery, 32053 West McCabe Rd., Santa Nella, Calif. where Bob will be interred.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Disabled Veterans organization of your choice.