CDR Robert E. Williams

Commander Robert Erving Williams, United States Coast Guard (retired) was 87 years old when he died August 4, 2012 on Coast Guard Day. He died after a battle with skin and bone cancer at Mt. Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Alexandria, Virginia. The son of Chester E. Williams and Susie J. Williams, brother Jefferson E. Williams was born on October 21,1924 and grew up in Worcester, Massachusetts. He graduated as class salutatorian and one of the 5 member Cum Laude Society from Worcester Academy in 1942. Bob attended the Coast Guard Academy from 1942 -1945, class of 1946. He continued his studies at Massachusetts Institute of Technology where he was awarded a masters degree in Naval Engineering in 1953. He was commissioned Ensign June 6, 1945 and went on to serve for over 39 years in both military and civilian capacities. His sea duty included both engineering and operational billets aboard nine different cutters including Sorrel, Spencer, Humbolt, Huntley and the icebreaker Eastwind. His sea going service culminated as commanding officer of the cutter Medota. He retired from military service in 1965, but in 1973 returned to the Coast Guard as Chief of the Marine Safety Branch at the R&D Center in Groton, CT and then Chief of the Technical Branch at Headquarters before retiring in 1989. The inbetween years, those when he was not working for the Coast Guard, he worked in engineering in the private sector for US Steel, J.E. Bowker Associates, Inc and Wise Chemical. Sailing was always an adventure and delight for him, whether racing in the Miami-Nassau Bahamas Race competition or going up to Rockport with family, the Windjammer cruises or the many excursions on Naglfar and on his own cherished vessel Epilogue. He loved the sea from Greenland to the equator. He was a member until his passing of Old Dominion Boat Club, Alexandria, VA. He enjoyed reading, and travel for business to Canada, Finland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark,Germany and Dubai and also for pleasure to St. Croix, throughout the Carribean, Mexico, Spain, Portugal and Austria. He enjoyed family gatherings, going out to dinner, and an occasional night at the Theater or the movies. As a Lifetime Member 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, Alexandria, VA. he continued this desire from the initial joining the Wyoming Lodge, in Melrose Massachusetts and followed it throughout his life. He was a member of the following professional associations: a council member of The American Society of Naval Engineers 1987 -1990 as well as becoming a Life Member; he served as chairman in 1989 on the ASNE Day Tecnical Papers Committee; The American Boat and Yacht Counsel, Inc. and the USCGC Eastwind Association. Bob was preceeded in his death by his parents and brother, his former wife of 40 years Jean C. (Lekberg) Williams of Cohasset, MA, his son Scott R. Williams of Austin, TX and long time companion Allah Lewars, Alexandria, VA. He is survived by a daughter Donna J. Williams of Cotuit, MA; a son Christopher A. Williams of Sylvania, OH; and a daughter-in-law Joan (Sewell) Williams of Austin, TX; 5 grandchildren: Dawn F. Stancavish and her husband David of Convent Station, NJ; Andrea (Drew) Massa and his fiancee Sally Jenkins, Marshfield Hills; MA; Daniel S. Williams and his wife Marissa of Houston, TX; Benjamin C.Williams and his wife Shadya, Austin, TX; David Williams, Austin, TX; 2 great grandchildren Roan A. and Phoenix E.H. Stancavish. The extended family of his companion Allah Lewars, Pam and Bowman Miller and their children. He will be missed by the many friends at his home River Towers in Alexandria and the long time service friends who met for what he called the "Jim's Lunch" and "First Tuesday Lunch" at Vinson Hall. As he sails from our view on the sea of eternity, a new course has been charted. May the breath of God be in your sails with following seas. Vaya con Dios. A funeral service with full military honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 3:00pm.