Robert Duane Williams

Robert Duane Williams, 73, of Prescott, passed away peacefully on Friday evening May 1, 2015 at home surrounded by love. He was born on September 6, 1941 in Flint, MI. He was the first of nine children born to Howard R. and Elizabeth A. (Smith) Williams.

He was a 1959 graduate of Flint Central High School and attended Flint Junior College for two years. A veteran of the U.S. Army, he enlisted in 1961 and earned the rank of SP4 (E-4) and the Good Conduct Medal. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1963 followed by three years of service in the U.S. Army Reserve.

Bob was proud to follow his father, Howard and grandfather, Bernie Williams, in the masonic tradition where he was first raised in 1963 in Flint Mi. In 1984, Bob became the Worshipful Master of the Masonic Lodge 470 in Millington, MI and was later raised to the level of 32nd degree Mason.

In 1985, Bob and his family moved from Millington to his late grandparents farm in Twining, MI where he lived until when he moved to West Branch in 1998. After having health issues in 2013, he moved to the Village of Prescott with his daughter Robin and son-in law Jimmy May and their sons. Papa spent precious time in the daily life of his grandson and best buddy Brandon. He loved cheering for James in his various sports and taking shopping trips followed by Chinese food with his granddaughter Lynzie and his daughter Jenny.

Bob worked on the line at the GM V-8 Engine Plant in Flint for 30 years before retiring to work another 14 years at G's Pizzeria in West Branch, Michigan, where he was lovingly known as the "Old Man". He was a hard working provider for everyone he loved or anyone in need his entire life . For many years he traveled almost 200 miles round trip to work but always got home in time to attend school functions for his girls, sometimes three in one night. He was and will always be 'there'. He gave his daughters a perfect childhood and could not have been a better Dad.

Bob was also V-P, co- founder and member of the 3 County Club in Skidway Lake for 35 years. He rarely missed a Monday or Saturday night volunteering at the bingo where he will be missed by many: especially his co founder and best friend Bill Rase. Bob enjoyed playing bingo, his annual hunting trips to Camp Williams, and watching his birds among many other hobbies. There was nothing he cherished more than his daughters and being Papa. His kindness, wisdom, and sense of humor, and love of life will be carried on in the memories of those he loved.

He is survived by his daughters, Jill Anne Williams of Lupton, Jennifer Lynn Williams of Freeland, and Robin Elizabeth (Jimmy) May of Prescott. Grandchildren Lynzie Lesa-Anne Beck (Gregory Green) Brandon Robert-Grady Beck and James Wesley May. He was also a proud Papa to Melinda Brandon, Lance Millard, Ed Millard, and Steven (Amber) Millard and Great "Granpapa" to Alaxis, Brent, Cassidee, and Cailee Millard all of Prescott. He was husband and friend of 50 years to Linda (Deputy) Williams who has resided in South Daytona, FL since 1998. Big brother to James B. (Sally) Williams of Grand Blanc Jerry (Paula) Williams of Grand Blanc Sue Williams of Flint Sandra Williams of Flint Sherry (Jamie) Airgood of Swartz Creek and Mary (Dennis) Sergent of Swartz Creek and was greeted at Heaven's Gate by his beloved parents and brothers James H. and Thomas Williams. He is also survived by Uncle William (Doc) Williams of Englewood FL several neices and nephews, especially his hunting buddy and nephew Chris Williams and many more who were blessed to call him friend.

Funeral services will take place at Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home 109 E. Houghton Ave. West Branch MI on Wednesday May 6, 2015 1pm. Family visitation at 9 -10am. Friends may visit from 10am until time of services. Cremation will take place and Bob's final wishes will be carried out at a later date. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the family.

“Sleep with Angels Dad”.