Obituary for Robert Williams, Jr.
Sunrise: April 17, 1943
Sunset: March 26, 2021
On the beautiful God-given night of Friday, March 26, 2021 at 9:50 P.M God called Robert’s name and he answered. We were not ready for him to go but after battling cancer for 30 years he was tired and ready to rest at the age of 77. He would always talk about how he was ready to be with his beloved late wife of 30 years, Theresa Williams, and he finally got that chance after being without her for eight years.
Robert Jr. was born April 17, 1943 to the late Robert Sr. and Melveline Williams. He was the oldest of 5 children. In addition to his parents and his late wife he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Freda Sharp, brother, Lester Williams, daughters, Adelia Harris and Reneka Williams and sons, Barry Jones and Michael Harris
He was a 1961 graduate of Howard High School. After graduation he worked multiple jobs over the next 20 plus years then on August 1, 1983 he was blessed with a job working for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. Although he loved his job he decided to retire a tad bit early after 23 years of service.
He was the true definition of “Ole School”. Growing up in the 40’s times were quite different so whenever someone would tell him the price of something he would say “WHAT!!” then he would tell you how much it used to cost back in the day followed by a story that would have you laughing so hard your stomach would hurt. During one of these stories we learned that Krystal burgers used to cost two cents.
He was a member of a bowling league and earned many trophies and awards with his team. He also LOVED to sing. His passion for singing actually earned him the nickname “Tammy” after singing it in a talent show. In the 60’s he sang with the group “The Fitalians”, which was one of the top R&B groups in Chattanooga at that time. Also in the group were three of his best friends, Thomas “Dopey”, Charles and Kenneth (all deceased). Robert also wrote and made a demo for a song called “Fight for Your Love” that was unfortunately lost.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, six sons, Andre (Toni) Williams, Javier Bowman, Sean (Dawn) Smith, Lamonte (Delores) Smith, Kevin (Gaye) McKenzie, Marcel (Tonya) Williams; two daughters, Lisa (Ed) Richmond and Melody Hudson; sister, Sondria Freeman; two brothers, Sylvester Williams and Ronald (Kenatta) Douglass; uncle, William Hill; long-time best friend, Walter “Bud” Few; a host of relatives and friends.
A public viewing will be held 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Friday, April 2, 2021 at the funeral home. A private family funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 3, 2021. Interment: Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
The funeral service will be broadcast live beginning at 11:00 am EST Saturday, April 3, 2021 at https://www.facebook.com/jpfchattanooga.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.
Sunset: March 26, 2021
On the beautiful God-given night of Friday, March 26, 2021 at 9:50 P.M God called Robert’s name and he answered. We were not ready for him to go but after battling cancer for 30 years he was tired and ready to rest at the age of 77. He would always talk about how he was ready to be with his beloved late wife of 30 years, Theresa Williams, and he finally got that chance after being without her for eight years.
Robert Jr. was born April 17, 1943 to the late Robert Sr. and Melveline Williams. He was the oldest of 5 children. In addition to his parents and his late wife he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Freda Sharp, brother, Lester Williams, daughters, Adelia Harris and Reneka Williams and sons, Barry Jones and Michael Harris
He was a 1961 graduate of Howard High School. After graduation he worked multiple jobs over the next 20 plus years then on August 1, 1983 he was blessed with a job working for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department. Although he loved his job he decided to retire a tad bit early after 23 years of service.
He was the true definition of “Ole School”. Growing up in the 40’s times were quite different so whenever someone would tell him the price of something he would say “WHAT!!” then he would tell you how much it used to cost back in the day followed by a story that would have you laughing so hard your stomach would hurt. During one of these stories we learned that Krystal burgers used to cost two cents.
He was a member of a bowling league and earned many trophies and awards with his team. He also LOVED to sing. His passion for singing actually earned him the nickname “Tammy” after singing it in a talent show. In the 60’s he sang with the group “The Fitalians”, which was one of the top R&B groups in Chattanooga at that time. Also in the group were three of his best friends, Thomas “Dopey”, Charles and Kenneth (all deceased). Robert also wrote and made a demo for a song called “Fight for Your Love” that was unfortunately lost.
He leaves to cherish his precious memories, six sons, Andre (Toni) Williams, Javier Bowman, Sean (Dawn) Smith, Lamonte (Delores) Smith, Kevin (Gaye) McKenzie, Marcel (Tonya) Williams; two daughters, Lisa (Ed) Richmond and Melody Hudson; sister, Sondria Freeman; two brothers, Sylvester Williams and Ronald (Kenatta) Douglass; uncle, William Hill; long-time best friend, Walter “Bud” Few; a host of relatives and friends.
A public viewing will be held 2:00 pm - 6:00 pm Friday, April 2, 2021 at the funeral home. A private family funeral service will be held at 11:00 am Saturday, April 3, 2021. Interment: Lakewood Memory Gardens, East.
The funeral service will be broadcast live beginning at 11:00 am EST Saturday, April 3, 2021 at https://www.facebook.com/jpfchattanooga.
Arrangements by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Avenue, 423-622-9995.