Robert L. Williams

Robert Lee Williams, 89 of Dorchester County, SC was carried to his heavenly home on the wings of an angel on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was affectionately known as "Robbie" and he was born in Holly Hill, SC on December 16, 1936, to the late Leon Williams, Sr. and the late Purnell (Sweatman) Gelzer. After the passing of his father, he was reared by the late George Loman Gelzer.

Robert was the husband of Ernestine S. (Simmons) Williams, with whom he celebrated 56 years of marriage, upon her passing in 2013. Robert was an awesome son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, a foster father, godfather, brother-in-law, uncle, cousin and friend.

Robert and Ernestine moved to York, PA, where they resided for 37 years. He joined Friendship Baptist Church, where he served on the Deacon Board and he was a choir director. During his years of employment, he worked for and retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co.

Robert and Ernestine returned to Dorchester, SC and they joined Briner Disciples of Christ and later joined House of Prayer and Praise, in both churches he served as a Deacon. Robert was always busy doing something even when the doctors told him to slow down and rest, he loved doing yard work such as cutting grass and planting flowers. He enjoyed reading and talking about the Word of God, singing Gospel songs when he was in York he was a member of the Canaan Happy Landers and in South Carolina the Silver Stars. Robert was loved by many and will be missed by all.

He is survived by a daughter Sonya Register (Ronnie); four sons David, Barry, Leon and Gerald Williams; 23 grandchildren; 45 great grandchildren; 4 great great grandchildren; a foster child Juanita Bowie; six godchildren, Scott Aubel , Billie Jo Beattie, La'Cole Hearns, Angela Holmes, De'Angelo Saxon and Valentino Henderson; two sisters Clara Rivers (Curtis) and Beatrice Ramsey (Bob); three brothers Leon Williams, Jr., Eddie Williams (Mary) and James Gelzer; his companion in SC Maria Hawkins and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends.

In addition to his parents and his wife, Robert was preceded in death by three siblings Roosevelt Williams, Mabel Dotts and Herbert "Kisler" Gelzer; two sons, Jerome Williams and Jakie Williams, a daughter, Lois Jean Williams and two grandsons, Dion Williams and Dequan L. "Dink" Williams.