Robert R. (Bob) Williams, 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday evening, March 5, 2016. He and the love of his life, Bobbie, would have been married 65 years this coming June 23.
Bob, the son of Theo and Patsy Williams, was born on May 27, 1928 and grew up in Appalachia and Big Stone Gap in southwest Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters Nancy Williams Baker and Peggy Williams Robertson. His brother Joe Williams resides in Portsmouth, Va.
Bob, in addition to his wife, also is survived by four sons, Steve and Theo of Knoxville, John (Margaret) of Clinton, and Joe (Vicki) of Seymour; granddaughters Tabatha Williams and Andrea Williams; grandson Shane Williams; many nephews, nieces and cousins and their families; and of course Minnie and Girley.
Bob graduated in 1947 from Big Stone Gap High School, where he played football, basketball and baseball for the Buccaneers.
After two years of military service in the U.S. Army, his work with the Southern Railway brought him to Clinton in the early 1950s. He later served 18 years in the U.S. Army Reserves and retired from Norfolk Southern Railway in 1990 after working 45 years as a railroad operator and dispatcher.
Williams was a longtime member of the Clinton Optimist Club and served as president in 1978-79, leading the club to the No. 1 ranking in the state for outstanding community service. Following the award-winning year at the state level, Williams was installed as Lieutenant Governor of Zone Six in Tennessee for 1979-80.
Williams was honored by the town of Clinton in 2012 when he was selected as Grand Marshal for the Clinton Christmas parade.

Williams coached and umpired and was the last president of the original Clinton Little League baseball program.
As most of his friends know, Bob was a loyal fan and supporter of the Big Orange and Clinton High athletics.

The family will receive friends Thursday night from 6 to 8 p.m. at Holley-Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton. Mr. Williams will be laid to rest with a military service at American Legion Cemetery on Friday at 2 p.m. in Big Stone Gap, VA.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Clinton Optimist Club at P.O. Box 556, Clinton, Tn., 37716. Holley Gamble Funeral Home in Clinton is in charge of all arrangements. holleygamble.com