Robert "Bob" Williams

Robert Williams Obituary

WILLIAMS, Robert

LeMoine "Bob"

"If I could reach up and hold a star for every time you've made me smile, the entire evening sky would be in the palm of my hand." - Unknown.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Gloria S. Williams. He is also survived by his son, Jeff (Jamie) of Memphis; his daughter, Natalie (Sherry) of Atlanta; and his grandchildren, Luke, Meredith, Katherine, Carmen, and Keaton; his brother, Jack Williams of Evans; and his sister, Beverly Warren of Thomson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews; his caregiver, Detra Hearst, and his loving dog, Lucy. He was preceded in death by his father, Otis Williams; his mother, Helen Swint; and sisters, Edna W. Ledford and Linda W. Davenport.

Bob started his career with Cecil B. Day as a restaurant manager for Carroll's in Augusta while he was completing college. After college, he served in the US Army for two years (16 months at Fort Gordon in Augusta and eight months in Dachau, Germany). Upon returning in 1970, Day hired Bob to oversee the acquisition, financing, and construction of over 40 hotels for the Days Inn chain in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1984, Bob was responsible for completing the sale of the Days Inn hotel chain. In 1984, Bob became president of Cecil B. Day Investment Company until he retired in 2020.

Bob passed September 8, 2024. He will be sorely missed.

Services will be held at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Tucker, GA, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please donate to either Children's Healthcare of Atlanta or the Alzheimer's Association.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Sep. 12, 2024.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Williams

14 Entries

Merle Westbrook

September 14, 2024

Bob was a sweet, fun, gentle soul. He will be missed by all of us at St. Andrews. Deepest condolences to Gloria, Luke, and family.

Jack Whitley

September 14, 2024

We loved you dearly.
Jack&Bette Whitley

Larry Talley

September 12, 2024

I worked at Days Inns from 1976-1984. I had many enjoyable conversations and lunches over the years even after the sale of DIA. Bob was one of the kindest person I ever met and the best way I can describe Bob is that he was a true Southern Gentleman. He touched many peoples lives, he loved his family deeply and I know he will be missed by many. Rest in Peace my Friend.

Gene & Kim Claxton

September 12, 2024

Loved Uncle Bobby´s sense of humor. I remember playing Trivial Pursuit, charades and poker during Christmas holidays at Bobby And Gloria´s. He knew every answer to Trivial pursuit and though it never seemed fair, it was always so much fun! Rest in Peace, Uncle Bobby.

Cheryl Hartry

September 12, 2024

In loving memory of a wonderful person! He was always so kind to me and I'll cherish that forever! We will love you and miss you always.

Rick Asbill

September 11, 2024

I was privileged to work with Bob for over 50 years, starting at Days Inns and subsequently with the Day Companies. He was always kind, thoughtful and considerate. Gloria, Luke and the rest of Bob's family-- know he was loved and will be missed.
Rick Asbill

Cheryl Williams

September 11, 2024

Bobby was a wonderful father-in-law to me for many years. He was like a second father to me, especially after my dad passed away. My daughters are so lucky to have had him for a grandfather. I´ve never seen a man who loved and doted on his grandchildren more than he did. He was kind, caring, and very thoughtful. I will really miss him!

Sherry Fowler

September 11, 2024

The memorial will be on Saturday, Sept. 14th at 1pm.

David Borreson

September 11, 2024

Bob was very helpful through the years to my company and me. He will be missed, but now it good that he is with our Lord !

Matt Waldman

September 10, 2024

Whether his immediate family was aware of it or not, I claimed Mr. Williams was my second father. It wasn't something I ever said. It wasn't something I was consciously aware of as a childhood friend of Jeff's. It dawned on me well after spending 3-4 days a week at the Williams house between the ages of 11-18.

Whenever I returned to Atlanta, I found myself visiting the Williams house. My visits were usually unannounced and they always welcomed me and made time for conversation. Several times as a young adult trying to find my way, Mr. Williams and I would hold conversations late into the evening.

He was a great listener. Funny. Empathetic. Wise in an unassuming way. You'd realize the wisdom long after the conversation. And, he loved a good-natured debate.

He didn't accept me because of what I did or what I was supposed to do, but for who I was at my core. He was the first person I felt that from in my life. There weren't strings attached.

It's a massive reason I returned to the Williams household whenever I could. I didn't realize it was home for me until well into my adulthood, but it was the only place I felt emotionally safe.

He set a great example I've aspired to follow as a father, a grandfather, a partner, and a friend. Even if I'm only partially successful at giving what he gave to others, I'm grateful for the gift he gave me as a young man.

Rest in Peace, you're beloved by many. I'm privileged to be one of them.