Charles Robert "Bob" Williams

Charles Robert "Bob" Williams, age 73, of Zeigler, passed away at 1:13 AM on Friday, November 14, 2025, at Shawnee Living Center in Herrin, with his wife by his side.
Born April 25, 1952, in Painesville, Ohio, he was the youngest son of Ralph Arlington and Dorothy (Spear) Williams. On July 16, 1983, he married the love of his life, Barbara Marie Anglin, in Reseda, California. Together they shared over forty-two years of marriage, partnership, and precious memories.
A truly one-of-a-kind soul, Bob lived life with passion, curiosity, and an adventurous spirit. At just 18 years old, his love of the outdoors and his hunger for experience took him hitchhiking across the country - not once, but multiple times. After working as an electrician and a traveling X-ray technician, he accepted an opportunity to work abroad for NASA, an experience he spoke of with great pride.
Bob loved music, sailing, archery, fishing, working with his hands, birdwatching, and storytelling. He was a natural teacher and a patient mentor. As a Boy Scout and Sea Scout Leader, he captained a 55-foot sailboat named The Pelican, spending countless hours teaching scouts how to navigate the water, the wind, and the world with confidence.
He was also a passionate hobbyist and a gifted trumpet player. He loved woodworking and designing miniature buildings and scenery for his motorized train set, creating an entire village that reflected his creativity and attention to detail. Before a motorcycle accident ended his musical pursuits, he was once in consideration for a chair in the Cleveland Orchestra - an accomplishment he carried with quiet pride.
Bob is survived by his wife, Barbara Williams, of Zeigler; his son, Matthew Robert Williams, of Christopher; his daughter, Kimi (Tyler) Bingheim, of Belleville; three grandchildren - Makenley Mae Williams, Ashton Alexander Williams, and Jack Elliott Arlington Bingheim; his brothers David (Linda) Williams, of Thompson, Ohio, and Richard "Bud" Arlington Williams, of Twinsburg, Ohio; three nieces; seven nephews; and a host of extended family members and lifelong friends whom he deeply cherished.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Despite facing the challenges of a rare and debilitating disease, Bob's heart remained steadfast. Early after his second diagnosis, he expressed his wish for his body to be donated to science - a final act of generosity and purpose that reflected the very core of who he was.
Bob's spirit - his curiosity, his humor, his music, his stories, and his enduring love of life - will be profoundly missed by all who had the honor of knowing him.
Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin is honored to serve the family. A Celebration of Life will be announced on a later date. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.johnsonhughes.com or call 618-942-3102 for more information.
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