Dr. Robert Moody Williams Sr.

Dr. Robert Moody Williams Senior died 6 December 2011 in Atlanta Georgia. He practiced orthodontics in Jackson Tennessee for almost 50 years prior to his move to Atlanta Georgia. He was the son of Henry and Geneva Williams and was born in Jackson Tennessee December 13, 1924. He graduated from Jackson High School as salutatorian in 1942. He attended college for one year at Mississippi State University. In 1943 he entered the United States military Academy at West Point New York and graduated in 1946.

He served in the United States Army from July 1943 until May 1950. He was a field artillery officer and served in the 25th infantry division and 11th Airborne Division during the occupation of Japan between WWII and the Korean War. At the conclusion of his military service he was the executive officer of C battery 674 Field artillery Battalion 11th Airborne Division at Fort Campbell Kentucky. He was also Airborne qualified and qualified Pathfinder with the 11th Airborne Division. His military legacy was passed to his son J. Barton Williams who followed his footsteps to West Point and graduated in 1980. His grandsons Matt and Ian Williams are at present serving their country. Matt is in the 2/114th FA Battalion 155th Combat Brigade and Ian is at the United States Military Academy in the Class of 2015.

He attended the dental school at University of Tennessee in Memphis Tennessee. He graduated from the School of Orthodontics. Eventually he settled in Jackson Tennessee and practiced orthodontics for approximately 50 years. He maintained a position on the faculty and taught Biostatistics while in practice. During that time he served as President of the Tennessee Dental Association. He was also boarded by the American Board of orthodontics. His sons Robert and John followed a similar path into Dentistry and Orthodontics.

He was a lifelong Boy Scout. He was a Boy Scout in Troop 6 of Jackson Tennessee and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout. After moving back to Jackson to practice orthodontics he was the leader of Explorer Post 13. During his time in Jackson he also served as president of the West Tennessee Area Council. He was a strong supporter of Boy Scouts in the West Tennessee area and was instrumental in projects council wide, including Camp Mack Morris. For his service he received the Silver Beaver Award of the National Boy Scouts of America. His four sons were also Boy Scouts, three of whom achieved the rank of Eagle and one the rank of Life scout.

He was a member of the First United Methodist Church.

He was preceded in death by his father Henry Williams, his mother Geneva Williams and his brother Henry Barton Williams. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joan Eason Williams.He is also survived by four sons and six grandchildren: Dr. Robert Moody Williams Junior and Dede Williams and their children Mary and Sam. Dr. James Barton Williams and Pam Williams and their children, Emily, Matthew and Ian Williams. Dr. John Eason Williams and his son Taylor Williams. Henry Merritt Scott Williams and his wife Ellen Williams.

Dr. Williams life was signified by his service to country and to community.

Visitation will be held from 5 -7 pm on Friday, December, 16, 2011 and the service will be held at 1 pm on Saturday, December 17, 2011, all held at George A. Smith and Sons North Chapel. Burial to follow in Ridgecrest Cemetery.

George A. Smith and Sons

North Chapel

2812 N. Highland Ave.

Jackson, TN 38305

(731) 427-5555

www.georgeasmithandsons.co​m