Bob, 91, a loving husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully Friday, March 16, 2018 at his home in Charlotte. He was in the presence of his loving family and in the devoted care of Hospice.
Born November 28, 1926 in Wilmington, NC, he was a son of the late Edgar Fleet Williams and Sadie Exum Williams. Following graduation from New Hanover High School, Bob entered the US Navy as a signalman aboard the PC1225 Waverly, a submarine chaser in World War II. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and after two years transferred to NC State College (University) where he completed his degree in forestry in 1950. He was an avid Wolfpack fan until his final minute. He began his career with Asplundh Tree Company and later joined Southern Bell, an AT&T company. Following a long career with Southern Bell, Bob retired in 1984.
Bob adored his wife, Rachel Williams, whom he married November 17, 1956. He was a member of Matthews United Methodist Church where he served as Co-chairman of Primetime Adults. Bob loved his children unconditionally and attended all events in which they were involved. He served as scoutmaster, president of PTA at Olde Providence Elementary School, band boosters at South Mecklenburg High School, swim-team, and endured endless dance recitals for years. Bob was blessed with six grandsons, whom he loved dearly. He was also an avid Panther fan and charter PSL season ticket owner.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Rachel Berry Williams, a native of Latta, SC; three children, Robert “Bo” Williams (Sandy) of Monroe, James “Jim” Williams (Cheryl) of Birmingham, AL and Wynne Williams Ellis (Frank) of Rocky Mount; and six beloved grandchildren, Chris Williams (Brittany), Jimmy Williams (Susan), Tyler Ellis, Joseph Williams, Nicholas Ellis and Patrick Ellis; as well as his sister, Sara Baschon (Paul) of Durham, and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by brothers Edgar Williams and James Williams.
The family would like to thank Hospice nurse Emily Holmes, CNA’s Karen, Sandra and Michelle, and homecare CNA’s Theressa, Kayla and Cheryl.
A service to celebrate Bob’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 21st at Matthews United Methodist Church, at 801 South Trade Street, Matthews. The family will receive friends prior to the service at 2:00 p.m. Interment with military honors will follow at Forest Lawn East Cemetery, 3700 Forest Lawn Drive, Matthews.
For those wishing to send memorial gifts, please consider Matthews UMC Daily Bread Ministry or Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region (www.donatehospice.org).
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