Robert Carson Williams

In Loving Memory of a Devoted Husband, Father, and Poppy

Robert Carson Williams passed away peacefully, on January 24th 2026 at the age of 89, leaving behind a legacy of faith, love, and devotion to family.

Robert was born in Rochester, NY on March 9th 1936 to Ruth (Schoolmaster) and Shirley Williams. Robert graduated from East High School in the class of 1954, and was an active member of the Parsells Avenue Baptist Church. Robert received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Design from Clarkson University, Potsdam, NY in the graduating class of 1958 and was a founding member of the Triangle Fraternity, and a member of the Student Christian Association.

Robert met his dear wife, Zelda, when she was assigned to a seminary internship at Parsells Avenue Baptist Church. Married for more than 54 years, he was the model of a faithful and devoted husband. Their marriage stood as a beautiful example of commitment, partnership, and enduring love.

Robert and Zelda settled in Westford, MA in 1971, where they raised their two daughters, and were active members of the West Acton Baptist Church in Acton, MA.

A proud father to daughters, Mary Beth and Lynne, he poured his life into providing for his family, guiding them with wisdom, love, and unwavering support. He was deeply proud of the women his daughters became and the families they built.

He was a beloved Poppy to his four grandchildren, Joshua, Carson, Olivia, and Abigail, who were the joy of his later years. He delighted in their laughter, celebrated their accomplishments, and showered them with unconditional love, gentle guidance, and quiet strength. To them, he was more than a grandfather-he was a safe place, a role model, and a constant source of love.

A man of deep faith, Robert lived his life in service to God and others. He was actively involved in the West Acton Baptist Church community for many years, where his kindness, humility, and servant's heart touched countless lives. His faith was not just spoken-it was lived daily through his actions, compassion, and integrity. During his time at West Acton Baptist Church, Robert served as a Deacon, member of the church Choir, taught Sunday School, and was a member of the Finance Committee, as well as served as a member of the Samuel Stillman Association and was a delegate to TABCOM (The American Baptist Churches of Massachusetts).

Professionally, he dedicated many years as an electrical design engineer, working first for General Dynamics in Rochester, NY, then moving to MACOM in Burlington, MA, and finishing his career at Microwave Medical Associates, in Acton, MA. Throughout his career, Robert earned respect for his intelligence, strong work ethic, and problem-solving mind. Even in retirement, his curiosity, discipline, and love for learning never faded.

A lover of nature, art, photography, music, and a good meal, special family vacations over the years included many roads trips to Rochester, NY and Greensburg, IN to visit family, vacations to Nova Scotia and PEI as well as cherished summer vacations on the island of Chappaquiddick, Martha's Vineyard. Robert and Zelda also enjoyed a special retirement trip together to Alaska, and a trip to Northeast India where Zelda had served as a missionary.

Above all else, Robert will be remembered as a man of character-a steady presence, a gentle soul, and a quiet leader whose life was marked by love, faith, and service. His legacy lives on through his family, his faith community, and all who were blessed to know him.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Robert was preceded in death by his father, Shirley Williams, mother, Ruth Williams, and his grandson, Carson Sallet. Robert is survived by his wife, Zelda Bate Williams, his daughters Mary Beth (David) Williams-Cabral of Wilmington, MA and Lynne (Peter) Sallet of Westford, MA, and three of his grandchildren, Joshua Sallet, Olivia Williams-Cabral, and Abigail Sallet.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA on Saturday, February 28th at 11:30am. A private burial service will take place, at a later date, at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's honor can be made to: West Acton Baptist Church, "Missions Team" to support local and international missions, by sending a check to: West Acton Baptist Church, 592 Massachusetts Avenue, Acton, MA 01720 or donation can be made in Robert's honor to the : Michael J. Fox Parkinson's Foundation