Robert (Rob) Ray Williams Obituary

Robert (Rob) Ray Williams, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend passed away peacefully in his home on May 28, 2024 surrounded by his loving family in Wildwood, MO.

Rob was born in Pensacola, FL December 24, 1947 to the late Robert Rudolph Williams and the late Lillie Faye Robinson Williams.  

In November 1967 he met on a blind date the love of his life, Coralee, and six months later they married in June 1968 in Pacific, MO.  Soon after their marriage, they moved to Selma, Alabama where he trained to be a United States Air Force Jet Pilot.  After receiving his wings, he became a Pilot Instructor.  Rob retired from the USAF and moved back to St. Louis in 1974 to raise their children amongst other family members.  Their nearly 56 years together have been filled with love and laughter; boy could Rob/Dad tell a joke!  They enjoyed family trips all over the U.S., vacations with their closest friends, boat rides at their lake house, wine tastings, bourbon samplings, watching their grandsons’ soccer games and of course eating popcorn regularly!  One of his favorite sayings when you told him you would see him soon was “if I am lucky”.

Rob is survived by his beloved wife, Coralee (nee Smith); his three adoring children: Dessa Williams Hellige (John), Aaron Williams (Barb), and Garett Williams (Kathleen); his two grandchildren: Rowan and Levi; his brother: Rusty Williams (Kimberly); his brother-n-law: Wayne L. Smith, II (Margaret); and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The funeral will be a private ceremony.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that those who wish to express sympathy to consider donating to the Missouri Wildlife Rescue Center () in Rob’s name.  Friends may sign the family’s on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.