Robert VanEthan Williams

Rob was born December 16, 1953 in Wake County, NC and was the first of three children adopted into a loving family by the late John Robert “Bob” and Martha Presson Williams.

Rob graduated from Broughton High School in 1972 and graduated from NC State School of Engineering in 1977. Rob earned his Professional Engineers License in 1979 and began his design engineering career through the co-op program at NC State with Boney & Newcomb and CP&L/Progress Energy. In 1975, he joined the USDA – Soil Conservation Service – now the Natural Resources Conservation Service – where he worked for 36 years. Rob helped design and later served as project engineer on a number of local structures such as Shelly Lake, Lake Crabtree and Fred Bond Park along with other structures which are a part of the Crabtree Creek Watershed. Rob’s watershed design projects span the state.

Rob was an active supporter of the Boy Scouts of America, having earned his Eagle Scout award in 1970. He also earned the God and Country Award and was a member of the Order of the Arrow Brotherhood. He served as Cubmaster for Pack 222 for 6 years, Scoutmaster of Troop 222 for 7 years and served as an Adult Scout Leader mentoring many scouts in their quest of their Eagle awards. He believed in and lived the Scout laws.

Rob’s proudest achievement was his family: Ashley Williams Gale and husband Lewis of Fredericksburg, VA, and Mark Edward Williams of Greenville, SC. He is also survived by his wife of 35 years, Laura Jackson Williams.

He was preceded in death by his parents Bob and Martha Williams, sister, Mary Lois Williams Boomhower, and brother, John Bomar “Bo” Williams.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, January 26, 2013 at Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, 718 Hillsborough Street, Raleigh, NC 27603. The family will receive friends from 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm Friday, January 25, 2013 at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, 300 St. Mary’s Street, Raleigh, NC 27605.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Hillyer Memorial Christian Church, Hospice of Wake County or UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.BrownWynne.com.