Robert Keith Williams, Sr., 74, a lifelong Westover resident, passed away Thursday evening, March 26, 2020, at his residence.
He was born Dec. 1, 1945, in Morgantown, a son of the late James Ralph Williams and the late Margaret Emily Pauline (Markley) Williams.
Survivors include his wife of nearly 52 years, Diana Louise (Shaver) Williams; three children, Shawn Williams-Edmiston, of Cullman, Ala., Robert Williams, Jr. and wife Laura, of Star City, and Jacqueline Richardson and Mike, of Morgantown; eight grandchildren, Dean, Danielle, Delaney, Zachery, Dominic, Gabrielle, Giuliana and Owen; and four great-grandchildren, Jacob, Dacota, Delphenia, and Ella; Mother-in-law Wanda Shaver, brother-in-law Harold “Swifty” Shaver and sister-in-law Joetta Palumbo.
In addition to his parents, his brother, James Ralph Williams, preceded him in death.
He was a 1963 graduate of Morgantown High School after which he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1963 and was a member of the Fifth U.S. Army Military Police until his honorable discharge in 1966. Upon returning home he began his career at G.E. Chemical, formerly Borg-Warner, until his retirement in 2002.
In his youth, he was a member of Boy Scouts and 4-H, which prepared his ability to fix all things broken. He loved to garden in his backyard. His mind was that of a true problem solver, and he could often be found on his front porch doing crosswords or Sudoku puzzles while drinking his coffee and waving at his neighbors.
He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting season in Canaan Valley and fishing trips to Canada. A strong supporter of the Second Amendment, he ran R.K. Williams Sporting Goods from the basement of his home, where many hunters and policemen relied on his repair and reloading abilities, as well as supplying bait to local fishermen. His beloved 1967 GTO was his prized possession for many years. He could be found most weekends driving his infamous lime green Suburban to garage sales and flea markets or along the banks of the Monongahela River fishing for channel catfish and walleye. He had a quick wit and loved to laugh.
He loved reminiscing about his world travels, especially his time in Paris and adventures there. His face would always light up when he had the chance to converse in French with others.
As well as quietly serving his Westover community, he was a proud supporter of law enforcement, the WV Republican Party and a longtime member of the National Rifle Association.
He was deeply loved by his family, and will be truly missed forever.
Due to the current situation with Covid-19, the family has opted to have a celebration of his life at a later date. Those arrangements will be announced.
Professional services are being provided to the family with the guidance of Smith Funeral & Cremation Care of Westover/ Morgantown.
Condolences:
www.smithfcc.com
