Robert Eugene Williams

Robert Eugene Williams ("Bobby") died February 5, 2016 at Emory University Hospital after a long illness. Bobby was born on November 28, 1934 in Sewanee, Tennessee to Eugene Grant Williams and Ellen Bryan Williams. He attended Lakeview High School in Rossville, Georgia and then attended Young Harris College. He graduated from Emory University in 1957 where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. Bobby began working at Emory as a student. After graduating, he continued working for the university for 42 years before retiring in 1999 as Vice President for Business. "Emory University has seen few people more devoted to this campus, its history and its future prospects than Bobby Williams," said former Emory President William Chace upon Bobby’s retirement. "He has been a tireless diplomat, a loyal friend to many, and an immensely faithful alumnus. He has been part of this community for more than four decades, and during that time he has contributed--cheerfully and adroitly--to the growth of Emory. He has believed in this place, and we are very grateful to him for his fidelity."

Bobby was an avid golfer. He was a member and former president of the Druid Hills Golf Club. Bobby served on the Board of Trustees for Young Harris College for many years and was an active member of the Emory Alumni Association. He was a member of Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 36 years, Mary Beth Urbanus Williams, and his three children, Terri Pendergrast (Craig), Kay Taylor (Bill), and Ritchie Williams (Polly) all of Atlanta. He leaves seven grandchildren: Andrew Pendergrast, Claire Pendergrast, Kristen Taylor, Will Taylor, Zach Taylor, Gus Williams, and Grant Williams. He is also survived by his brother, James B. ("Jimmy") Williams (Betty) of Atlanta. The family will receive friends at Patterson's Spring Hill on Monday, February 8, 2016 from six until eight o'clock in the evening. Funeral services will be held at Glenn Memorial United Methodist Church at half past one o'clock in the Afternoon, Tuesday, February 9, 2016, with a reception at the church immediately following. There will be a private burial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Emory University or Young Harris College.