Robert "Bob" Earl Williams

Robert "Bob" Earl Williams, age 87, of Jackson, Mississippi, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, October 8, 2024. Bob was born on June 1, 1937, in Bogalusa, Louisiana. He was a proud graduate of Bogalusa High School before he went on to serve his country in the United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Campbell in Kentucky from October 17, 1958, to February, 1960, and then at Schleissheim Army Air Base in Germany until March 21, 1962.

Bob's love for the open road and fast cars defined much of his life. After serving in the military, he moved his family to Jackson, Mississippi, where he pursued his passion of racing and became a professional race car driver, earning the title of NASCAR Grand American Rookie of the Year in 1971.

In 1973, Bob left racing and began driving chartered tours for Trailways. It was through the witness of church groups he drove that he was led to accept Christ as his Savior and Lord. In 1975, Bob surrendered to God’s call on his life into ministry, and he was licensed to preach by First Baptist Church in Jackson, MS. He was an active member of First Baptist, where he sang in the choir and became well known for his “Chalk Talks”. Through his Chalk Talk Ministry, Bob used his artistic talents to communicate the Gospel through illustrations. He and his family also established a foster home called His Way Homes which gave them the opportunity to foster nearly 20 teenagers.

In the 1990’s, Bob moved to the Atlanta, Georgia, area where he was able to re-kindle his love of auto racing. He drove a NASCAR Show Car for Mark Bush and was a permanent figure on the sidelines of race tracks where his grandson, Sam, raced quarter midgets and mini sprint cars. Georgia is also where he met and married his wife, Jean. Together they attended Mountain Creek Baptist Church where Bob served as a Sunday school teacher.

Bob is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Williams; his parents, Murphy and Ethel Williams; and his siblings, Laveda Manning, Murphy Williams, James Williams, Bernard Williams, Alla Mac Guy, Laura Williams, and Steve Williams.

He is survived by his children: Lynn (Bob) Brent, Selina (Paul) Alexander, Noel Williams, Wade (Lisa) Williams, Scot (Gwenn) Whittington, and Doug (Elaine) Williams. He leaves behind his cherished grandchildren: Justin Evans, Chris Evans, Jade (Kyle) Duncan, Sam (Bailee) Williams, Raleigh Cross, McKinley Cross, Esther Williams, Lily Williams, and Benaiah Williams; as well as five great-grandchildren: Serenity and Reese Evans, Scarlett and Grant Duncan, and Brooke Williams.