Robert Lee "Bob" McWilliams Jr.

Robert Lee 'Bob' McWilliams, Jr.

Indianapolis, Indiana

Bob McWilliams, 82, was born October 9, 1929, in Elkmont to Memory Viva Weatherford and Robert Lee McWilliams, Sr. He died June 12, 2012, 2:04 p.m., of complications after having emergency vascular surgery four weeks previously. He was in the care of IU Health Home Hospice, and died at the home he shared with his daughter and her family since February 2011. Honoring Bob's request, there will be no funeral. He donated his body to the Indiana University School of Medicine Anatomical Education Program. A memorial service in Athens will be announced at a later date.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Imogene "Gene" Bailes McWilliams, 2001 and son, Robert Lee McWilliams III, 2005. He is survived by daughter, Anne Grace McWilliams; son, Patrick Butler McWilliams, Indianapolis, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Marie Ruddy McWilliams; granddaughters, Carolanne Grace and Antonia Marie (Toni) McWilliams, Daytona Beach, Florida; many dear relatives and friends.

Bob grew up in Birmingham. He attended the Glen Iris School and Ramsay High School. At 17, he volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, and served four years at Camp Lejeune, Parris Island, South Carolina. He attended Athens College, where he met his wife, Gene. Bob was a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, and was a season ticket holder for many years.

Bob retired in 1995, after 38 years of employment by Wolverine Tube Corporation, in Decatur.

Those wishing to honor his life with a memorial gift might consider contributing to charities of their choice.

This obituary was originally published in the Decatur Daily.