Robert Earl Williams

Robert Earl Williams, 97, of Okeechobee, Florida went to be with the Lord on April 10, 2010 after a long battle with Alzheimer's Disease.
He was born in Kentucky on August 8, 1912 the son of Thomas Jefferson "TJ" and Minnie Starnes Williams. Robert was an outstanding student, but left school in the eighth grade to work with his parents on a tobacco farm. He eventually worked at a bakery with thoughts of making it a career.
He met Dorothy Naomi Berry in Evansville, Indiana and married her on August 13, 1949. They relocated to Charlestown, IN where they started a Western Auto store with a $5000 loan from his brother-in-law Herman Wade. He was told by the company that the store would never be a success but they didn't know how determined Robert could be. He loved the store and the people he served. After 25 successful years, due in no small part to his wife Dorothy and faithful employees Juanita Combs and Wilma Mangels, Mr. Williams sold the business to retire. The store that would never be a success is still open after 60 years!
Mr. Williams was a long time member of the Charlestown Church of God serving as deacon and song leader. Bob and Dorothy were dedicated to supporting many Christian organizations and missionaries. Bob was a member of and active in many civic organizations including the Sheriff's Organization and the Chamber of Commerce.
Bob was an avid fisherman and had many special friends with whom he shared his passion on the lakes of Canada, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, and Florida. In his earlier years, he was also an avid hunter. He also enjoyed traveling the world with Dorothy, the love of his life.
We love you with all our hearts, Dad. You helped all your children become successes in life because of your love and generosity. We remember you today with memories, humorous, fond and sweet.
Mr. Williams was preceded in death by Dorothy his wife of 54 years, who passed on October 2, 2003, his parents TJ and Minnie, his brother Homer, his sisters Lucille Schrode and Hazel Williams, granddaughter Kristi Riley McIlwee and grandsons Ricky Williams and Alan Williams.
Survivors include daughter Diana McAfee and her husband John of Carhage, Missouri and daughter Adeline Ashby and her husband Frank of Decatur, IL: son Henry Williams and wife Brenda of Evansville, IN and son Robert Alan Williams and wife Beverly of Evansville, IN, and stepson David Riley and wife Pat of Lewes, Delaware. Survivors include 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 15 great-great-grandchildren. Survivors also include faithful friend and caregiver Polley Russell of Buckhead Ridge, FL. Dad also leaves behind his little kitty buddy, Charlie.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Missions Dept. of Grace Point Assembly of God at 1605 Baker Blvd in Carthage, MO 64836 or North Charlestown Church of God on 1803 Edgewood Dr in Charlestown, IN 47111.