The Hon. Rev. Dr. Robert W. Williams, 91, passed away on the Havenwood Health floor surrounded by his family on December 15, 2017. He is survived by his wife Doris, children Anne Wingfield and her husband Dave, Faith Greene and her husband Ben, Dawn Ruddy and fiancé Rik Yeames, and Thang Cin Sum and wife Anna, 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his son, Wade Williams.
Dr. Williams was born August 19, 1926 in Schenectady, NY to Leo and Anna Williams. At the young age of 16 he heeded the call to serve his country, and joined the coast guard in 1943. He served on the USS William Mitchell from 1944-1946, in all 3 theaters of WWII. He received the Philippine Liberation Medal and the US Naval Combat Action Ribbon. He went on to graduate from Union College, Colgate Divinity School, and Eastern University.
Dr. Williams was ordained in 1955 by the First Baptist Church of Clifton Springs, NY. He served as minister for many churches in upstate NY prior to becoming the Associate Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of New York State, and later was called to be the Executive Minister of the American Baptist Churches of Vermont and New Hampshire. Dr. Williams was a highly respected and sought after leader, and served as Director and Officer of the NH Bible Society, President of the NH Council of Churches, President of the American Baptist Executive Ministers Council, Chairman of the Eastern Commission on the Ministry, President of the Ministers at Large Program, and Vice President of the Ministers Council ABCUSA.
On March 1, 1952 Robert married his true love, Doris McPherson of Morrisville, NY. Throughout their life together, they served people, community and God. They participated in mission tours in Europe, Central America, Asia, Israel, and the UK. As a result of this work they hosted a student from Myanmar, who quickly became part of the family.
Although he retired in 1991, Dr. Williams remained active in the community, and served as interim minister for many churches. He had an active interest in politics which led to him being elected a state representative, serving four consecutive terms from 2005-2012. As Chairman of the Transportation Committee he supported efforts to restore rail transit in NH, and sponsored the bill ending the road test for seniors. Robert also hosted the Concord TV show, Senior Speak. In his spare time, he loved to spend time with family, moose watching, gardening, and go for daily walks. Robert Williams spent his life bringing people together and spreading God’s love. He touched the heart of everyone he met, and will be dearly missed by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
For those wishing to make a donation in Robert’s memory please do so to the VNA Hospice or the Concord Coalition to End Homelessness.
Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, December 21st from 4 to 7pm at Bennett Funeral Home, 209 North Main Street, Concord. A celebration of Rev. Williams’ life will be held at 2pm on Friday, December 22nd at The Auditorium at Havenwood-Heritage Heights, 33 Christian Avenue, Concord. The committal service will be held on Saturday, December 23rd at 1pm at Blossom Hill Cemetery, 207 North State Street, Concord.
Arrangements are entrusted to the Bennett Funeral Home of Concord.
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