Robert H. Williams M.D.

12/01/1936 - 10/08/2025

Dr. Robert "Bobby" H. Williams died on October 8, 2025. Throughout his career, he was recognized among Washingtonian Magazine's "Best in Medicine" and earned numerous honors, including the American Medical Association's Physician Recognition Award.
A senior clinician and professor in Howard University's Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Williams trained generations of medical students and residents with exceptional skill, devotion, and compassion. A proud triple alumnus of Howard, he earned his undergraduate, graduate, and medical degrees at the University he deeply loved.
After completing medical school, Dr. Williams honorably served in the U.S. Army. He pursued advanced training at Walter Reed Medical Center and Howard University Hospital, distinguishing himself in both programs and becoming Howard's first Family Medicine resident. He later pioneered Howard's first physician assistant program and established a community health center in his childhood neighborhood.
At Howard, Dr. Williams directed the family practice program and co-chaired the Spirituality and Medicine seminars, fostering clinician-clergy collaboration to promote holistic care. From 2004 to 2006, he served as President of the Howard University Hospital medical staff. He also developed influential education on caring for patients at the end of life.
Widely regarded as the consummate "doctor's doctor," he was known for his intellect, integrity, and unwavering commitment to all patients. In decades of private practice, he emphasized equity in care, treating the poor and underserved with the same dedication he extended to well-known civic, educational, business, and political leaders.
His survivors include his wife, Judy; daughter, Tatia Lynne; grandson, Decker Robert Julian; brother-in-law Julian H. Rogers (James Beverage); cousin, Mansel Long (Denise); godchildren, extended family, and lifelong friends.
Memorial Service: November 22, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. at Dunbarton Chapel, 2900 Van Ness Street. In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations to the Dr. Robert H. Williams Endowed Fund: https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/72304/donations/new?a=11387666.