Robert Milton Williams Jr. (Bob), age 85, passed away Friday, October 31, 2025, surrounded by those who loved him dearly, following a courageous battle with heart disease. Born on June 19, 1940, Bob’s life was a mosaic of family, farming, hard work, fishing, and an unwavering devotion to his family and anyone fortunate enough to call him “friend.”
Bob was the beloved husband of Martha Jane (Kurtz) Williams and a proud and loving father to daughters Molly Anne Williams Sherrell (deceased) and Nancy Dean Williams. His pride and joy were his granddaughters, Chelsea Evan and twins Sara Keatan, and Caitlin Elizabeth, whom he and Martha helped raise with unconditional love and dedication following the tragic death of their eldest daughter, Molly Anne Williams Sherrell, in October 1993.
Bob is survived by his wife, Martha Jane; daughter Nancy Dean, brother Dennis Williams (Elaine); great granddaughter Quinn, nephews Michael Williams (Katy); John Williams (Sara); nieces Sarah Kathryn Williams and Susan Elizabeth Williams Hancock; and his “other brother”, Joe Van Hooser. Bob was preceded in death by his father, Robert Milton Williams Sr, mother Jean McElroy Williams, daughter Molly Anne Sherrell, and brother Joseph Dean Williams.
As a youngster, Bob was drawn to tractors – sometimes a bit too much, leading to the occasional run-in with his father. What began as mischief soon grew into encouragement from Bob Sr., nurturing his eldest son’s lifelong devotion to farming. Following the untimely passing of his father in 1958, Bob Jr. served in the US Army until the spring of 1961. He then partnered with his grandmother, Annie Dean McElroy, to farm Dean Hill in Fredonia, Kentucky, which he and Martha later purchased. Over the years, Bob raised cattle, hogs, and grew soybeans, wheat, and corn. A tireless worker, Bob could drive any manner of farm equipment with the precision of a fighter pilot – and did so well into his later years. He was wholly devoted to his fellow farmers, neighbors and offered encouragement and mentorship to those just starting out in agriculture.
Bob’s greatest gift to his farming community was his love, laughter, good-natured mischief, and storytelling. Bob, his youngest brother Dennis, and Joe Van Hooser cherished each other’s company and spent countless weekends together reminiscing about their childhoods, visiting old friends, and telling stories (some true) about the characters in their lives. No matter where he was, Bob was the life of the party. Rarely could he visit a restaurant, store, or any other establishment in Fredonia or Princeton, Kentucky, or the surrounding counties and not know someone. As much as he loved his friends, it was not uncommon for Bob to start a conversation with a stranger, and moments later, have that person doubled over in laughter, thanks to one of Bob’s stories.
Fishing became one of Bob’s deep passions following his farming years. Favorite trips included Florida’s Lake Okeechobee, the Yellowstone River, Arkansas’s White River, and the coastal areas of southern Louisiana. But his most cherished adventures were when he loaded up with his brothers Dennis and Joe Van Hooser and cousin Jim Newsom for the long drive to Kenora, Ontario, Canada. Along the way, the group explored, talked, and – most of all – laughed. Bob found peace on the water with those he loved as with his smile radiant as he held aloft a fat Walleye or Muskie for a photo. When basketball season rolled around, Bob was a loyal Kentucky Wildcats fan, and he and his nephew Michael loved reminiscing big wins.
Bob’s true legacy can be defined by the devotion and unwavering love for his wife, daughters, granddaughters and great-granddaughter. Molly was ever present on his mind and in his heart, and he cherished her memory the remainder of his life, expressing it through unconditional love and dedication to her children.
In remembering Bob, we celebrate a man whose impact was felt through his unrelenting work ethic, kindness, faith, and humor. His legacy of love, laughter, compassion, and generosity will live in the hearts fortunate enough to call him friend, brother, uncle, Dad, and Daddy Bob.
Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm until 7:00 pm Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Morgan’s Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am Wednesday, November 5, 202,5 at Morgan’s Funeral Home with Bro. Jed Ramey and Rev. Dr. Carson Salyer officiating. Burial will follow in Mapleview Cemetery in Marion.
In lieu of flower,s donations may be made to Kuttawa Independent Methodist Church, 98 Lakeshore Drive, Kuttawa, KY 42055, and OAR, Organization for Autism Research, 2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 401, Arlington, VA 22201.
