March 16, 1933 - March 28, 2017
Robert Charles "Bob" Williams, Sr, 84, of Little Rock, AR, surrounded by his wife and four children, died Tuesday, March 28, 2017, at Parkway Health Center after a prolonged illness related to military service in Vietnam. He was born March 16, 1933, in Hartford, CT, the younger of two sons of Frank Joseph and Clara Macht Williams, who predeceased him. Bob spent his early years in Middlebury, CT. He attended Danbury Teachers College in Danbury, CT.
In 1953, during the Korean Conflict, he enlisted in the USAF, serving twenty years at Sampson AFB, NY, Lackland AFB, TX, Hunter AFB, GA, Little Rock AFB, AR, and Glasgow AFB, MT. As a combat crew member on KC-97 and KC-135 tankers, he was an inflight air refueling specialist in the Strategic Air Command, the nation's first line of defense during the Cold War, performing the intricate maneuvers necessary to refuel fighter jets, nuclear bombers, and reconnaissance planes while airborne. He was among the first boom operators to be trained in Refueling the SR-71 Reconnaissance planes. He participated in our country's defense during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. Besides his permanent duty stations, his military career sent him to many temporary assignments.
Due to developing disability, Bob left flying status in 1970 and was transferred to Danang, Vietnam, in the Pacific Air Forces as First Sergeant of a Military Airlift Command Squadron for one year. He completed the Strategic Air Command Non-commissioned Officers Academy in 1971, returning to Little Rock AFB as First Sergeant of the Missile Maintenance Squadron, which serviced the Titan II Missiles in AR. He retired in 1974 with the rank of M/Sgt. During his military career he was awarded the Bronze Star, Air Medal with Special Operations Group, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal with one Bronze Service Star, Vietnam Service Medal, and Air Force Longevity Service Award with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters in addition to numerous other medals and ribbons.
Following his military retirement, Bob became a representative for the Veterans Administration Regional Office. As a Field Investigator for the northwest area of Arkansas, he serviced the needs of his fellow veterans for 22 years. He retired from the Administration in 1997, having received many awards. His combined Air Force and Veterans Association careers spanned a total of 42 years of dedicated service to his country.
A multi-talented man, retirement afforded Bob the opportunity to pursue his artistic skills. He attended courses in conservation at the Library of Congress in Washington, DC, volunteering his newly acquired abilities in assisting Bob Devan, State Conservator of the Arkansas History Commission, a man who became his closest friend for the remainder of his life. During this time, Bob enjoyed developing his innate gift for painting on canvas, a talent discovered in his childhood. His intricate, detailed landscapes have been displayed on television, in magazines, state pamphlets, galleries and art shows. As a free-lance artist, he sold many original paintings and limited edition prints. He was also a member of the Lions Cub, American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans.
Bob married Fay Livingston of Savannah, GA, in a formal wedding on June 18, 1954, at Hunter Air Force Base Chapel. Their oldest child, Robert, Jr, was born in GA, and their remaining children, Ray, Sonja, and Carolyn, were born in Arkansas. Despite frequent, extended absences from his children during their youth, due to his military service, Bob's loving, firm guidance has been a constant influence throughout their lives. In addition to attending church and school events, their childhood was spent enjoying scouting, camping, fishing, gardening and sports events with their father and mother.
In addition to his wife of 62 years, Bob is survived by a brother, Frank Williams (Nobbie) of Noank, CT; sons, Robert Williams, Jr (Debbie) of Melbourne, FL, and Ray Williams (Joyce) of North Little Rock; daughters, Sonja O'Leary (Michael) of Maumelle, and Carolyn Warner (Mark) of North Little Rock; grandchildren, Marcia Ballentine (Rob), Jennifer Williams, Bernie Williams (Jaime) all of Orlando, FL, Garry Hatzell of North Little Rock, AR, Heather Owen of El Dorado Springs, MO, Franklin Brent of Oppelo, AR, and Sean Carney (Laura) of Prairie Grove, AR; great-grandchildren, Caden and Jaxon Williams, Riley and Henry Williams all of Orlando, FL; Brendan, Christopher, and Matthew Reddick of El Dorado Springs, MO; Allistar and Amelia Carney of Prairie Grove, AR. The family is convinced that Henry Luke Williams, born in Tampa, FL, within a few hours after Bob's death, was welcomed into this world by his great-grandfather during their transition.
Special extended family members include Bob Devan of Little Rock, Barbara Cooper of Maumelle, Perry DeJarnette of Little Rock, Kathy James of Little Rock, and Sheila Johnson of El Dorado, AR. Bob is also survived by a host of loving friends in a life-saving, world-wide Fellowship.
The family expresses gratitude to Dr. Claudia Tolleson and her staff of Parkway Village Clinic, Parkway Health Center's Administrator Steven Gates, and all nurses, aids, and staff members who gave such excellent and loving care to Bob during his extended stay. Thanks, also, to the Baptist Hospice team that eased his transition.
Services will be held on Thursday, April 6, 2017 at Roller Chenal Funeral Home, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, AR 72211, (501) 224-8300 with visitation at 10:00 AM, and a memorial service led by Rev. Jim Agee, Chaplain of Baptist Hospice Care, at 11:00 AM. Full military honors with internment will be at 1:00 PM at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock, followed by a reception for family and friends at 142 Beaver Creek Lane, Maumelle, AR, at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, (woundedwarriorproject.org), P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675 or Ozark Water Projects, Inc, (Facebook), 10701 Rivercrest Dr, Little Rock, AR 72212
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19 Condolence(s)
Ted Hutchens
Thursday, April 6, 2017
Bob continues on through the convictions installed in myself and many others through his workshops on preservation and restoration of materials. Always pleasant, always kind, never to be forgotten. Peace Bob...
Wally Paton
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
As Bob did for so many others, he assisted with my archival conservation and preservation training. He did so much to help so many. I am grateful to have had Bob and Fay as friends for these many, many years.
My condolences to the entire Williams family.
Becky Sutton, Darner
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
The only thing i can say is....Thank you Bob for touching my life and having such a positive influence on so many people!! You will be missed here on earth, but, Heaven needs you now, RIP my dear friend....and tell that ole Cecil Sutton hello.
Fay, thank you for introducing this sweet precious man into my life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Love always.....
Becky
Nancy and Tim O'Brien
Wednesday, April 5, 2017
We are sorry for your loss. Bob was a kind and gifted man in numerous ways, and will be missed. Thanks to Fay and Bob for your tirless service to our community. Our condolences to your sweet family.
Terry Loum
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
My friend, my mentor. he taught me many things and I will forever be grateful. God's speed, my friend.
Sonja Williams-OLeary
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Dad...You are a special man. Your love ran deeper than the ocean. I will miss the kisses and hugs hello and good bye. There is a huge part of my heart reserved just for you that no one will ever fill. Thank you for the pennies from heaven. As for Mom (My Grace)...You are the strongest woman I know. You have walked this long journey with such grace and dignity. I know of no other person that could have stood up to the pressure you were under. Thank you for taking such good care of our father. You did a fine job and Dad certainly knew it. I am forever grateful for that. Your marriage of 62 years is such a testament to so many. For better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health, in death do we wait for the other in God's kingdom, with a flower garden, until the other arrives, and we live happily ever after. I love you My Grace. I'm sure he is already planting that garden. Just me. Sunshine. Sonja
Russell P. Baker
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Bob was such a great man; always had a smile. He will be missed.
Larry
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
We salute your veteran. Our condolences for your loss & gratitude for your loved one's service to our country. May your memories & God's love bring you peace, comfort & strength at this difficult time. Death leaves a heartache no one can heal but LOVE leaves a memory no one can steal.
Lisa and David Beshears
Monday, April 3, 2017
The world is a better place because Bob was in it and he will be missed by so many people. He touched so many souls and I am grateful to be one of those. My prayers are with Fay and the family.
Barbara Cooper
Saturday, April 1, 2017
A man who served his God, his Country, his fellow man, and his family very well.
An old Soldier who faded away, but whose memory will always be with us.
Mary Iva & Greg Barrett
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Bob will always hold a special place in our hearts as well as his family. Prayers for peaceful healing. Bob has helped many
& loved by all who knew him.
Mary Iva & Greg Barrett
Michael and Paul Kolstad
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Praying for God's peace and comfort for your family and that special memories will fill your heart with joy.
Sincerely,
Michael and Paula Kolstad
(daughter and son-in-law of John and Carol Hopper)
Terri Stroh
Thursday, March 30, 2017
I'm so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts constantly at this time.
Lora
Thursday, March 30, 2017
You will be so missed here on earth. Enjoy your meetings in heaven. I know you've been welcomed by some of the best members. Thank you for all you did for all of us.
Mildred Green
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Dear Carolyn, I am so sorry and send my sincere condolences, thoughts and prayers to you and your dear loved ones. May God bless and keep you ever near.
Tim Hedin
Thursday, March 30, 2017
To God be the Glory great things He has done. Rest our brother rest.
Frank Z.
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Ty
Carol Hopper
Thursday, March 30, 2017
We are so saddened by Bob's passing. He was a dear, sweet man. Our prayers are with his family at this most difficult time. Love. John and Carol Hopper
Melody and Steve Stanley
Thursday, March 30, 2017
We met Bob about 10 years ago through his dear friend Bob Devan. We own Red Door Gallery and carried Bob's paintings. He was a wonderful artist and he will be missed. Our prayers are with you.
Melody and Steve Stanley