Robert L. L Williams

Grief never ends… but it changes. It's a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith… it is the price of love.

Obituary

Robert L. Williams, known to family, friends, and colleagues as Bob, was born on May 11, 1941 in Bakersfield, California, passed away peacefully in Nashville, Tennessee, on August 30, 2024, at the age of 83. A beloved husband, father, friend, mentor and colleague, Bob’s legacy of kindness, integrity, and love will endure in the hearts of those who knew him.  

On one of his frequent visits to Nashville from his home in Georgia, he met Carolyn Roberts. Attracted to her beauty, lively personality and southern charm a romance quickly blossomed and they were married in Nashville in March of this year. 

Known for his warm smile, generous nature, genuine interest and curiosity to everyone he met, Bob touched the lives of many throughout his years. He completed his undergraduate studies at California State University Long Beach where he also earned a master’s degree in history. While attending law school he taught special needs students in the Anaheim High School District. He was awarded his Juris Doctorate and became a member of the California State Bar in 1974 then practicing law in Orange and Fresno Counties for more than 40 years, also serving as Judge ProTempore for the Fresno County Superior Court.

Bob’s interests were many and varied … taking pride in his extensive library of American history, an avid traveller, enjoyed camping, new adventures and a good party. A lifelong learner, he never stopped being curious about the world around him. He also had a love for music, frequently attending concerts and enjoying Nashville's rich musical heritage.

He is survived by his loving wife Carolyn, his two sons Jeff and Ryan, daughter-in-law Izabael, his brother Richard, sister-in-law Sharon, nieces Hope and Heide and their respective families. Bob took immense pride in his sons and his family, always emphasizing the importance of staying connected and supporting one another.

Bob will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His life was a testament to the power of education, the joy of curiosity, and the strength of family bonds. He leaves a legacy of treasured memories to his family and friends across the country. In consideration of travel costs and challenges for a majority of family and friends, no plans have yet been made for a memorial service/celebration of life. We will update this website with details should we find a way to celebrate and remember Bob together.  In the meanwhile we ask for your understanding and hope that using this website to share thoughts and memories will bring us together in Bob’s memory.  

Passion Project…

B
ob was a devoted lifetime member of Sons of Confederate Veterans and it was his passion project. He held leadership positions at the SCV Chapters in Mission Viejo, California and in Clayton, Georgia.  A born organizer, he led the membership outreach and was both knowledgeable and eloquent in explaining the history and mission of the organization.  He considered it his calling to be a leader, mentor and organizer for the organization he loved and supported.  He made many friends and forged treasured relationships within the organization.

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