Robert Williams of Florien, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on December 26, 2025. His life was one of faith, service, perseverance, and unwavering devotion to family and community. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Eugene Williams, Sr. and Rena Berel Williams, siblings Charles Marvin Williams, Sr., Billy Ray Williams, and Ruth Vernell Williams Allums.
A memorial service honoring Bobby’s life will be conducted by Warren Meadows Funeral Home and held at Florien First Baptist Church on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 at 2:00 PM. A visitation will take place on Tuesday, December 30, 2025 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Florien First Baptist Church. The service will be officiated by Brother Wayne Chance and Brother Bill Blackmon. Those honored to serve as pallbearers: Luke Manasco, Anthony Chirinos, Dallas Miller, Zachary Williams, Jarrett Rule, and Ronald Carter. Honorary pallbearers: Stanley Murray, Matthew Smith, Justin Sepulvado, Trendyn Garcie, Greg Anthony, and Jimmy Leach.
Early Life and Faith Bobby was born on September 23, 1929, in Vernon Parish, Louisiana—just three months before the onset of the Great Depression. He lived there until the age of seven, when his family relocated to Sabine Parish, where they first lived in a four-room house. Later, the family moved into the Touchtone rent house, a larger fiveroom home that included a bathtub but had no running water or electricity. Everyone had a hand dug water well, complete with a rope and pulley, which also served to cool milk stored in a metal syrup can. The rent was just five dollars a month. Though his childhood was simple, it was rooted in strong values—faith, hard work, responsibility, and a deep love of family—that shaped the man he would become.
At the age of five, Bobby entered public school. He began school in the 3rd grade at Florien and was a part of the last class to graduate when there were only 11 grades. In 1938, alongside his close friend Winston Guidry, they became the first individuals in Sabine Parish to be baptized inside a church building at Many First Baptist Church—an event that marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to faith and service.
He graduated from Florien High School in 1946 at only 16 years old, already demonstrating the discipline, curiosity, and determination that would define his future.
Military Service and Education Shortly after graduation, Bobby reported to what was then Barksdale Field to serve with the Army Air Force during World War II. He completed basic training at Sheppard Air Force Base and was later assigned to Aerial Photography School at Scott Field AFB in Illinois. When it was discovered that he was underage, Bobby was honorably discharged until he was eligible to reenlist. During this early service, he earned the World War II G.I. Bill of Rights, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Sharpshooter Medal.
From 1946 to 1947, Bobby attended Refrigeration G.I. School at English Air Base in Alexandria, Louisiana. In 1948, he completed Electronics G.I. School in Leesville, specializing in radio repair—skills that would become the foundation of his professional career.
His continued military service included: Army Air Force (World War II), 1946, U.S. Army (Korean War), 1951–1953, Army Reserve, 1953–1957 and Louisiana Wing, Civil Air Patrol, 1977–2009.
Marriage and Family On November 27, 1953, Bobby married the love of his life, Lola Jean Lewing Williams. Their marriage of 72 years was a testament to devotion, partnership, and shared purpose. Together, they built a home rooted in faith, integrity, and mutual respect.
Bobby was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who took immense pride in his family and their accomplishments. He is survived by his five children: Michael Williams and wife Karen, Samuel Williams and wife Darlene, Bryan Williams and wife Carolyn, Brad Williams and wife Beckie and Tina Williams Manasco and husband Charles. He was also blessed with 15 grandchildren and a host of great-grandchildren who brought him great joy and who will carry forward his values and legacy.
Professional Career Bobby’s professional life reflected both resilience and entrepreneurial vision. From 1948 to 1949, he was employed by Wright’s Tire & Appliance in Many, Louisiana. In 1950, he opened Sabine Refrigeration Company. After losing his business, he answered the call to serve once again, spending two years in the U.S. Army during the Korean War working with radio-controlled aircraft.
Upon returning home in 1953, Bobby founded Williams Appliance Services. In 1954, he purchased and renovated the old post office building, further establishing his presence in the local business community. From 1957 to 1959, he served as an electronics instructor at Sabine Parish Vocational-Technical School, generously sharing his knowledge with the next generation.
In 1959, Bobby co-founded Williams Bros. Appliance Service, Inc. with his brother Ray. From 1968 until 2000, he served as President and General Manager of Williams Bros. Furniture and Appliance Service, Inc.
His leadership continued well into later years as: General Manager of Wright Shopping Center (1992–2025) and General Manager of Sandy Hill Mall at Fort Polk (2004–2024).
Public and Civil Service Bobby believed deeply in giving back to his community. He was a Notary Public for life and served as Alderman and Treasurer for the Village of Florien from 1964 to 1970, helping oversee the installation of the village water system and natural gas service.
He served on the Sabine Parish School Board from 1977 to 1987 and as its President from 1983 to 1984, donating much of his income to support local classrooms and educational initiatives.
His civic leadership also included service as: Director, Sabine State Bank (1989–2008), Member of multiple regional transportation, civic, and advisory commissions, Member and Director, West Louisiana Veterans Park, Trustee, Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana, Sabine River Authority (SRA), and 33 years of service on the Sabine Parish Sales and Use Tax Commission.
Aviation and Civil Air Patrol Beginning in 1963, Bobby became a licensed private pilot, accumulating more than 3,000 flight hours. His passion for aviation led to 32 years of service in the Louisiana Wing of the Civil Air Patrol, from which he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2009.
His service included aerial search and rescue missions, command of the Louisiana Legislative Squadron, and in 2009, the recruitment of Louisiana’s congressional delegation into the Congressional Squadron at Bolling Air Force Base.
Bobby was committed to lifelong learning, attending Northwestern State College, the U.S. Air Force Region Staff College, the National Staff College, and numerous military and professional seminars.
Memberships, Leadership, and Honors Bobby was actively involved in numerous organizations, including: Florien First Baptist Church, Sabine Parish Chamber of Commerce, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Korean Veterans organizations, Masonic Order (32nd Degree Mason), Shriners (Mystic Shrine Order), Deputy Grandmaster, 8th Masonic District.
He also served as President and CEO of multiple family businesses, Vice President of Louisiana Hayride Productions, and board member and Vice President of National Affiliated Corporation and National Investors Life Insurance Company.
Honors and Recognition: Outstanding Guidon Award, Civil Air Patrol, Member of Who’s Who in U.S. Executives. Inducted into the Sabine Parish Hall of Fame in 2012, recognized for his outstanding contributions to the parish he grew up in and cherished deeply.
Legacy Bobby lived a life defined by service—to his country, his community, his church, and most of all, his family. He was known for his integrity, resilience, generosity, and steadfast leadership. His influence helped shape Sabine Parish in meaningful and lasting ways.
His legacy lives on through the family he cherished, the community he served, and the countless lives he touched. In lieu of flowers, Bobby requested that donations be made to the Children’s Shriners Hospital of Shreveport.