Robert John Williams

Robert John Williams went to be with the Lord on May 21, 2014 at the age of 80 after a brave battle with cancer. He was born on November 9, 1933 in Buffalo, NY. When Bob was 5 years old, his parents, Theodore and Iva Williams, moved to the New Orleans area where he has resided since. Bob met his future wife of 51 years, Jerry Levy during their high school years at the roller skating rink. They were married in 1953. Children followed soon after – Kathryn Williams Wolford, Patricia Williams Shaver, and Robert Williams Jr. Bob and Jerry sacrificed immensely to provide the best education for their 3 children – St. Martin's Episcopal and then LSU where they all graduated. In 2001 Jerry became very ill and Bob was her devoted caregiver until her death in 2004. Bob's family grew as sons-in-law Scott Wolford and Tommy Shaver and a daughter-in-law Regal Peiser entered his life. His love grew even more as he became "Grandpa" to 7 grandchildren – Todd Wolford, Brian Wolford, Stephanie Shaver, Kristen Williams, Matthew Shaver, Andrew Williams, and Alaina Williams. Even before Jerry died, the first of 6 great-grandchildren Collin Shaver and Abigail Karcher were born. Stephanie and Shane Karcher were married and provided Bob with 2 more great-grandchildren Sarah and Emily Karcher. Soon after Todd married Kim Jones and Brian married Kelley Wilson and even more blessings were bestowed with 2 great-granddaughters in Texas to visit – Katie and Lane Wolford. Bob met Sylvia Buttone dancing at the Jefferson Orleans in 2007. They were married in 2008 and continued to share their love for dancing and traveling. Together they have watched their grandchildren grow into thriving adults. Bob was blessed with being a part of Sylvia's children's lives – Michele & Jerry Perret and Brian & Cristina Ross - and Sylvia's grandchildren Lauren Perret, Austin Perret, and Sarah Ross. Bob graduated from St. Aloysius in 1951. He attended Tulane briefly. In March 1953 he went to work as a delivery driver for Waukesha Service and Supply Co. in Jefferson. As the company grew and evolved into Reagan Equipment Co., Bob was promoted to manager of the parts department. In 1961 he was promoted again to Purchasing Agent – a position he would hold until 1983. At that time company headquarters moved to Gretna and he served as Office Manager while continuing to perform his purchasing functions. During his tenure at Reagan, Bob served on the boards of purchasing associations, both locally and nationally. After a dedicated 46 year career, he retired in March 1999. Bob enjoyed 2 passions – fine dining and traveling. His favorite was lunching at Commander's Palace for their 25¢ martinis and their impeccable food and service. He was never able to fulfill all of his travel dreams, but he did experience several cruises, including The Caribbean and Alaska, 2 European tours, and many domestic destinations. As his family, we are grateful to the many friends and neighbors who have showed so much love and support. Bob definitely felt that love. We would also like to thank the many caregivers of Canon Hospice and Dependable In Home Care. Their devotion was invaluable to Bob's comfort the past few months. Relatives and friends are invited to Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home Monday, May 26, 2014. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 11 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11 AM. Interment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. To sign and view the guest book, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com. Donations made be made to the cancer research center of your choice.