Robert Franklin

Williams

Robert Franklin "Bobby" Williams, 94, passed away peacefully at his home on November 12, 2026. He was born on May 29, 1929, in Huntsville's Lincoln Mill Village to Cora Etta and Frank Howard Williams. He married Barbara, the prettiest girl he had ever seen, and together they had one child, Cathy. Bob lived a long and happy life filled with love, family, and a deep devotion to God.

He grew up happily in the Lincoln Mill Village and attended Lincoln Elementary and High School, graduating in 1950. He played baseball, basketball, and football. He was the newspaper boy for the village from the age of 9 until he graduated from high school. And it was at Lincoln High School that he met his beloved wife of 71 years, Barbara Madewell Williams. He joined the U. S. Navy in 1951, married Barbara in 1952, saw the world with his wife, and returned to Huntsville in 1955 to start a family and set up a happy, loving, peaceful, idyllic family home. They had one child, Cathy, and became exceptional parents with a home filled with love, happiness, and lasting memories.

Early in his career, Bob worked for Thiokol and Brown Engineering on Redstone Arsenal. He spent most of his career working for IBM as a quality control engineer during the heart of the space race. He was educated at UAH and was a graduate of the University of Kentucky.

Bob had many passions throughout his life. He was a talented baseball player who loved the game, an avid golfer, a voracious reader, a devoted Alabama football fan, and a proud United States Navy Korean War veteran. He took great pride in his service to his country, but nothing ever meant more to him than his family. The three of them did everything together, traveled, laughed (there was always laughter), played games, and told lots and lots of stories. Daddy was a storyteller.

Bob's spiritual life began at an early age at Lincoln Baptist Church. He is currently a member of Lakewood Baptist Church and served as a Baptist Deacon.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 71 years, Barbara Fanchyon Madewell Williams; both of his parents — Cora Etta and Frank Howard Williams; his infant daughter, Pennie Jane Williams; and his big sister, Leitha Joyce Walker.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Williams Rice, and her husband, Randy Rice; his baby sister, Billie Williams Edwards; granddaughters — Stephanie Rice Williams (John) and Catherine Rice (Brittany); 4 great-grandchildren — Thomas Tanner, Leo Flynt, Harper Williams and Eisley Rice; and several nieces and nephews from his and Barbara's extended family.

Visitation will be held Sunday, November 15, 2026, from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. at Berryhill Funeral Home.

Graveside service will be held Monday, November 16. 2026 at 10 a.m. at Maple Hill Cemetery.