Bobby Raymond Williams, 79, a longtime resident of Hampton and Tabb, died peacefully Sunday, Aug. 5, 2018.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Connie Cutler Williams; three sons, Todd (Susan) of Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, Keith (Karen) of Williamsburg and Brad (Jennifer) of Chantilly; seven grandchildren, Kelsea, Kyndall, Reid, Devin, Rylee, Emery and Wesley; and sister, Catherine Newsome of Augusta, Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents, Alma Leslie Hadden and William Homer Williams; and siblings, G.T. Williams, Mildred Williams, Elizabeth McGahee, Mervin Williams, Everett Williams, Betty Pennington, Edith Williams and Jack Williams.
Bobby was born March 7, 1939, on a farm in Wrens, Georgia, and graduated from Wrens High School in 1957. He then moved to Newport News on the advice of a few good buddies to work at Newport News Shipbuilding. He played football and ran track at the Apprentice School, graduated from the Apprentice School in 1961, and served in the Army Reserves. He married his wife, Connie, in 1964 and raised three boys, working in the shipyard for 46 years before retiring as a superintendent in 2003.
Bobby loved sports and found his greatest pleasure in coaching and watching his three sons and seven grandchildren play sports. He coached football, basketball and baseball in Mallory and York County (Grafton/Tabb). He also co-founded the Tabb wrestling program in 1976. He took up the game of golf later in life and took great pleasure in short, straight drives and steady putting. As his sons and good friends know, 18 holes with Bobby was a good day.
Throughout life, Bobby was a man of few words, instead opting for acts of service and kindness. Known for his honesty and high principles, he was always willing to help one in need, but never wanting the spotlight on him. Those that knew Bobby well, held him close to their hearts.
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 8, at Peninsula Funeral Home. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 9, at the funeral home with Dr. Doug Echols officiating. A burial will follow in Peninsula Memorial Park and a reception will follow at Bethel Baptist Church, Yorktown. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Bobby’s life.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Grafton-Tabb Youth Football League, Attention, Bobby Williams Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 2044, Yorktown, VA 23692, where a fund will be established to ensure underprivileged local kids have the opportunity to register for and play football.
Share online condolences with the family at peninsulafuneralhome.com.
