Robert Ray "Bob" Williams

Robert Ray "Bob" Williams, 90, a retired Army lieutenant general, passed away Sunday, April 5, 2009.
Celebration of life: Family and friends will gather at 5 p.m. Wednesday at the Williamses' home to celebrate his life.
Memorials: May be made to Army Aviation Association of America, Scholarship Fund, 755 Main St., Suite 4D, Monroe, Conn. 06468.
Bob was born June 30, 1918, in Evanston, Wyo., to Henry and Flora Williams. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy, West Point, in 1940 and married his wife of 68 years, Alice Jean, in 1941. Considered by many as one of the founding fathers of Army aviation, Bob served in World War II, Korea and Vietnam during his 34 years in the U.S. Army. His contributions to the Army, to aviation and to his country are legendary. After retirement from the military, Bob served as president of Bell Helicopter International in Fort Worth. He continued his life of dedication and service through various local and national associations and foundations until his passing.
Bob left a lasting impression on everyone he came in contact with through his humor, generosity, guidance and leadership. He will be long remembered for his contributions, never forgotten for his friendship, and dearly missed by his family and friends.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Avis; his brother, Harry; and sister, Auril.
Survivors: Wife, Alice Jean; son, Blair Williams and wife, Sheila, of Lorton, Va.; daughter, Kathy Lucy of Fort Worth; son, Keith Williams and wife, Carrie, of Lake Tahoe, Calif.; nephew, Donald Phelps and wife, Frankie, of Baton Rouge, La.; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.