Robert Fones Williams

Robert Fones Williams, 96, of Princeton passed away on September 3, 2024, at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center.
Bob was born in Bessemer, AL. After studying mathematics as an undergraduate with R. L. Moore at the University of Texas, he received his doctorate from the University of Virginia. He worked as a professor of mathematics at a number of universities, including Northwestern University and the University of Texas at Austin. At various times throughout his career he was a Member at the Institute for Advanced Study. He liked to say he studied chaos, otherwise known as dynamical systems. Both modern dance and mountaineering were important activities for him. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Princeton.
He was predeceased by his parents Elgin and Ann (Brown) Williams and two brothers Elgin Williams and Joe Williams.
Robert is survived by his wife Karen K. Uhlenbeck, a daughter Ellen Lindsay Williams, nieces and nephews Brett Williams, Robert Williams, Cathy Harrison, Nancy Goodhew, Wade Williams, and Carol Kirksmith.
In memory of Bob, memorial contributions may be made in his honor to the American Civil Liberties Union (www.aclu.org) or the Bob Williams Endowment for Excellence in Undergraduate Mathematics (https://give.utexas.edu/?menu=OGPNSBW)
A memorial service will be held at a later date.