Williams, Robert B.
Robert B. “Bob or Big Willy” Williams, USAF
July 26, 1939 – October 16, 2018
Longtime DeSoto resident Robert B. Williams, 79, passed away peacefully at T. Boone Pickens Hospice and Palliative Care Facility on Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2018. Mr. Williams is preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Lucille Williams; his first wife, Lois Williams; and his sister Dianne Goad.
Mr. Williams is survived by his loving wife, Carol; son Kenneth Williams (wife Colleen); daughter Sherry Dye; stepdaughters Melody Townsel, Heidi Hays (husband Scott), Noëlle Venglarik (husband Dan), Bridgette Shanks (husband Shawn); stepson North Townsel; grandchildren Ashley, Jennifer, Alex, Kelsey, Keggen, Sicilly, Darby, Taylor, Ben, Tori, Kennedy, Rebel, Jack, Zoë, Sadie, and Will; great-grandchildren Cecilia and Lyla, and nieces and nephews.
Known to many as Bob or Big Willy, Mr. Williams was born in Kansas City, Mo., July 26, 1939, and attended college in Eastern Oklahoma. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1961, and served 12 years active duty. A decorated Vietnam War veteran, Mr. Williams served several tours with the 20th Special Operations Squadron as a Huey Door Gunner, attached with MACV-SOG. He lived in Newfoundland, Canada, Alaska, North Dakota, and Washington before settling and spending his last 35 years in North Texas. He eventually retired from both Lockheed Martin and the Post Office. Awarded the Purple Heart in Vietnam, Mr. Williams’ service was marked by a special Memorial Day weekend 2016 Honor Flight from Austin to Washington D.C.
Bob was a caring and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend, always ready to lend a hand and offer advice, whether it was about life or sports. He loved attending his children’s and grandchildren’s events, and enjoyed bowling, hunting and fishing. He, his smile, and his big heart will be sorely missed.
Visitation with the family is from 6 – 8 pm, Friday, October 19, 2018, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel. Funeral services are 2:00 pm, Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel. Interment will follow at 11:15 am, Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at the Dallas-Ft. Worth National Cemetery, Dallas, TX.
All attendees of the interment will need to arrive at 10:00 am, Tuesday, October 23, 2018, at Jaynes Memorial Chapel in order to be in the processional to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to DAV.org (Disabled American Veterans Charity)
~ GUEST BOOK ~
October 19 at 1:21 PM CST
Sadly I say goodbye to another Vietnam War Veteran of the USAF 20th SOS “Green Hornets”. “Big Willy” was a honored Brother of our squadron who always had a smile on his face. God rest the soul of Robert Williams. God comfort and protect Carol and the Williams family.
~
Jim Burns, SMSgt. USAF (retired)
October 18 at 8:06 PM CST
Always a smile on his face. At one of the many Pringle Family Reunions he attended.
~
Zoe Rascoe
18 at 2:32 PM CST
Ken and Family. So very sorry for your loss. My highest RESPECT for him and his service to our country! May he rest in peace, and never be forgotten
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Cindy Freed (BAE co-worker of Kevins
Integrity, Honor, and Respect
Some of the best things cannot be bought, they must be earned
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