- April 24, 2024
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Robert E. Williams
1931-2020
Acknowledgment of a Life Well Lived
Robert E. Williams
Alpha : April 30th, 1931 Omega : November 9th, 2020
Robert Eugene Williams was born on April 30th, 1931. He departed this earth on November 9th, 2020 after a long battle with cancer.
“Bob” as he was affectionately called by his friends, was one of three children born to Rev. Moses Williams and Rev. Mary Williams. He was the youngest of three children and was preceded in death by both his sister Mrs. Marie Smith and brother Mr. JD Williams, both of Jacksonville Florida. He was also preceded in death by his oldest daughter, Ms. Deborah Renee Daniels of Jesup, Georgia.
Bob was born in Ocala Florida in 1931. During his childhood, his family moved to Fort Lauderdale where he attended high school. His family was so committed to doing the work of GOD, that they started several churches including the “Church of Pure Righteousness”, also in Fort Lauderdale. He was a devoted son and described himself as a proud “Mama’s boy”. He purchased several homes for his parents and saw to their every need as long as they lived.
At 19, Bob moved to New York City with hopes to obtain a good job and to provide for his family. His mother packed him a shoe box of fried chicken and bread, blessed and prayed for him and he was on his way to the big city. Once in New York, he found work immediately as a furniture maker. The leather chairs he engineered are still sold today for thousands of dollars.
Bob obtained a position as a bus driver for the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. He loved to drive and worked with the MTA for over 30 years; retiring in 1990. Bob worked so much overtime for the simple joy of driving and also to support his family. He was a friendly man who enjoyed meeting new people throughout his travels. Extra “runs” on the bus were called “soap” and he earned the nickname “Soapy” because he worked so much.
Bob developed a love of politics and was very involved in his party for the entire time he was in New York. He carried that love with him when he relocated with his wife to Palm Coast in 1991. Bob was interested in current affairs and the fair treatment of all. He became a member of his local NAACP chapter in Flagler County and was elected to be President where he served faithfully for many years. He had a generosity of spirit and zest for life that was evident to all who came into contact with him.
Bob traveled the world and visited many countries, including Paris, Sweden, Italy, London and many countries in the Caribbean. He also enjoyed fishing and would get up early and go out alone to enjoy the solitude, serenity and connection to nature.
Bob was a humble, gracious man and a “Hello” from a passerby would frequently lead to a 30 minute conversation as he loved people and was always interested in a discussion of anything from the weather to politics.
Bob loved music and had an extensive and unique record collection that included Jazz and Big Band. He became friends with one of his favorite artists, Al Hibbler..
Bob is survived by his wife of 40 years, Madeline Cover-Williams; his son Anthony Williams and his longtime companion Brenda, both of Jacksonville Florida; his daughter Kim Williams-Jenkins and her Fiancé Christopher Whibley of Staten Island, New York. His three grandsons Kenyatta V Daniels of Jesup, Georgia and twins, Aeneas Roy Jenkins and Adam Robert Jenkins, his (namesake) of Staten Island, New York. Two granddaughters, Ayanna D. Daniels of Jesup, Georgia and Dr. Ashley J Campbell and her husband Brandon T. Campbell of Staten Island, NY; five great grandchildren; Lauquarnne, Sybil, “Little Kenny”, Khalil, and Aniyah Marie. Stepdaughter Dawn Cover of Rhode island and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
