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Robert Williams Obituary
June 18th 1962 - June 25th, 2013
West Hollywood, California
A celebration of the life of Robert "Robby" Williams will be held on July 8th, 5-8 pm at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center, 246 Dolan Ave., Gulfport, MS 39507. There will be a presentation by Robby's family at 6 pm highlighting his beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation in Robby's name to the WINGS Performing Arts Program at Lynn Meadows Discovery Center.
Born in the sixties, raised in the seventies and a survivor of the eighties, Robby was a true modern American. He is one of five children belonging to Bob and Flo Williams and, growing up, family life was a constant adventure. As a child, Robby could be found attempting to make Coca Cola from scratch and getting his kid sister to, regrettably, drink it. Rocking a "Turtleman" costume for Halloween is not an easy task, but Robby did it with style. These were just early signs of Robby harnessing his innate desire to entertain those around him.
Robby's teen years were a mixture of self-discovery, friendships, pop music and his many performances in the Gulfport High School theatre. Soon Robby began dreaming of pursuing his love of theatre as a career and after graduating as valedictorian - he attended Millsaps College to obtain his Bachelor of Arts degree in theatre.
Some of Robby's professional highlights are being a founder of Shakespeare in the Park Festival in Jackson, Mississippi, attending The Alabama Shakespeare Festival's Master of Fine Arts Program on full scholarship and performing in over 40 productions throughout the U. S. His film appearances include Boys on the Side and Forrest Gump.
His greatest professional achievement was writing his critically acclaimed adaptation of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night, An Appalachian Twelfth Night. Robby's adaptation received a Los Angeles Drama Critics Circle Nomination, as well as rave reviews and Critic's Pick from The Los Angeles Times, Daily Variety, Curtain Up, Backstage West, Show Magazine, and Entertainment.
However, the most important thing Robby will be remembered for is being a giver. A giver of constant laughter, home-cooked meals, smart advice, long phone calls, tacky Christmas gifts, hysterical web videos, and always, unconditional love. Although a tragic car accident took Robby away from this life far too early, his loved ones know he is already busy making heaven laugh.
Robby is survived by his parents Bob and Flo Williams, his siblings Kathy Holthouser, Lynn Weinberger, Michelle Casano and Joseph Williams, his nieces Rachel Maurer and Melissa Weinberger, his nephews Coleton Casano and Royce Weinberger, his grandmother Marjorie Williams, many other loving relatives and the love of his life, his life partner of 18 years, Sean Galuszka.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Williams
Sponsored by Susan Lambert Hatem, a friend.
Sean Galuszka
April 15, 2025
I love this photo of you, taking pictures through the Musee D'Orsay clock in Paris. Whenever you were around, the world seemed much bigger, much brighter. I had no idea how much. I wish I had been more aware, and more grateful then. J'adore, toujours.
Sean William Galuszka
September 9, 2020
I just found this. Thank you, Susan Lambert Hatem for sponsoring this Guest Book. Not a day goes by I do not miss this amazing man. From 1995-2013 we traveled, and laughed, and fought, and cried, and loved, and created- partners. Not a day goes by that he does not come into my mind and fill my heart. I am blessed to have spent that time with him. Blessed to be the man I am today in great part, because of him. He touched many lives while he was here. And made each one better for it. I haven't met anyone since who comes close to his unique and boundless energy. My Robert. My love.
Veronica Hill
July 10, 2013
Bless you Robert
Karen Norwood
July 8, 2013
A few years ago, my daughters and I travelled to Los Angeles with a Lynn Meadows Discovery Center group. Robby met the group one day for lunch and we ended up sitting at the table with him. He was the kindest, most interesting man. I remember how he listened to both of my children and made them feel like they were the most talented children ever. He encouraged them to continue their love of theatre and told them stories of some of his theatre experiences. I remember thinking how many people would take time out of their busy schedules to listen to two little chatty girls they had never met? He will forever be remembered as the kind man who took time to make two little girls feel like superstars in Hollywood. Rest in peace Robby and thanks for the memories of a great lunch!
Kimberly Herrmann
July 7, 2013
My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Williams family for the loss of such a wonderful son and brother. Robby will be missed by all whose lives he touched.
Karen McManus
June 29, 2013
I didn't know Robby, but I just want to say that this is the best Obituary I have ever read. Sorry for your loss.
Phyllis Nabhan
June 29, 2013
Robby will remain in our hearts forever. Our family on the planet has lost a very special, loving person. Our family in Heaven is surrounding Robby with Love. Until we meet again. RIP
kathy holthouser
June 29, 2013
my brother, I will miss you every day.
Andy Fobes
June 29, 2013
Fantastic narrative on a joyful life full of laughter...peace to Robby, his friends and loved ones. Glad I had the chance to meet him.
June 29, 2013
Sending our love and prayers to all of you.
Helen and Joe Evans
Gay Thomas Wilson
June 29, 2013
You are a bright light and a gentle soul. I miss you!
Gay Thomas Wilson
June 29, 2013
As one of your Katami Family members, I know that I speak for all of us when I say, We miss you and you will always be apart of our story. Love You Brother
Wilson Cain,III
June 28, 2013
All my heart.
Joseph Holmgren
June 28, 2013
What a wonderful tribute to a beautiful man, and such a very good human, he will be sorely missed, but I'll always keep a smile for my friend Robert. Take Care, my friend, and God Bless You.
Donna Jolly
June 28, 2013
Robby gave me laughter, unconditional friendship, stories to tell and taught me how to be a better cook, and a better friend. It's hard to believe he's gone. He had such life and light. I'll think of him every day of my life and I'll miss the 33 years of friendship we had. Long Live Turtle Man.
Jynnifer Jemison Walker
June 28, 2013
Family,
My prayers are with you doing this difficult time. Robby touched many lives in his life time. I will forever remember his smile and his love for the arts!
Jim Jenner
June 28, 2013
Kindest Sympathy
Reba Plante
June 28, 2013
Bob and Flo,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you , your family and all of Robby's friends. I know he will be greatly missed.
Love,
Reba
Patricia Lamkin
June 28, 2013
Thank you Robby, for your heartfelt friendship, creative spirit, patient advice, big bear hugs, and so much more. We are all better people for knowing you. Sending love and positive energy to your family and Sean during this difficult time.
June 28, 2013
Sorry for your loss. tori and Cindy Wilson
Jesse Wilson
June 28, 2013
Very very sad to hear about Robert. My condolences. Really cool guy.
Kevan Brown
June 28, 2013
Dearest Flo, Bob, and Family,
Russ and I are so terribly sorry for your loss. You are all in our thoughts and prayers, and we pray you will find great comfort and peace in (1) knowing that Robert is in a place so wonderful, so beyond our limited imaginations, that, given a choice, he would choose to stay and not return to us here on earth; (2) remembering that you--and the rest of us--WILL see him again. All our sympathy and love, in the name of Jesus Christ our Savior, Kevan Jenner Brown and Russ Brown
Laura Romanowski
June 28, 2013
He will be missed - always.
Shay & Edward Malpass
June 28, 2013
We are so sorry to hear of Robby's passing. Wishing comfort and peace to the Williams Family and Sean.
Jill Brody
June 28, 2013
So saddened to hear about Robert's passing. He was a very warm, funny and loving spirit with a great smile and laugh! He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with Sean and his family during this difficult time.
Paul Ybarbo
June 28, 2013
A testament to Robbie's positive impact to the world: his ongoing smiles and laughter!
Kathy Holthouser
June 28, 2013
I miss you every day, my sweetest love
Effie Johnson
June 28, 2013
A truly fitting tribute, as loving and funny as Robert himself. He will be deeply missed.
Elizabeth Knight
June 28, 2013
The obituary says it perfectly. Robby was the most talented, dearest, kind hearted man ever. I will always remember him with a smile because he just brought light and happiness into every situation. Dear Flo and Bob, You raised a wonderful son, I know how proud you are of him. Love Irma Elizabeth
Sabrina Beckham
June 28, 2013
Melissa- I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. It seems you were extremely blessed with a wonderful uncle. I pray for peace and comfort for your family at this time.
Sabrina Beckham
Robert and Kelly McShain Tyree
June 28, 2013
Celebrating a phenomenal man who gave us so much! Condolences to Robert's family and to his loving partner, Sean.
tracy ballard
June 28, 2013
You will be missed.
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