Robert Earl Williams
March 13, 1947 - December 15, 2020
Obituary
Robert Earl Williams was born March 13, 1947 in Seattle, WA to the union of Calvin Williams Sr. and Valena Downs. Robert went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2020. He was the youngest of four children.
He was a longtime member and Deacon of Greater Revival, C.O.G.I.C. (New Life C.O.G.I.C.). He was a helper at heart and a true testament of Ecclesiastes 9:10, whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do with thy might. He participated in many services, read scripture, sang songs, and would drive the church van to pick up the Elders and Mothers of the church. Robert’s passion for God was visible in the way he walked, talked, and interacted with others.
He went to Garfield High School and attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg. Robert was an avid basketball player throughout his youth and college years. He continued his passion for basketball by becoming a teacher of the game to many by working at Collins Playfield on Yesler. He also worked at Rainier Recreation Center as an administrator for many years and was well known in the community. He then went on to work at Highpoint Community Center in West Seattle.
Robert had many duties and responsibilities at the recreational centers. He enjoyed working, being around people, and creating different activities for all ages. Creativity was the essence of who he was, and it often displayed in his poems, scavenger hunts, and carnivals for the children. Since basketball was one of his passions, he often taught men, women, and children basketball skills. He also refereed many youth basketball games. His life impacted many people and in different ways.
Although life is not without struggles, he did battle with multiple sclerosis from an early age, but his faith prevailed, and he continued to rely on God for strength until the very last of his days. He was known to pray and speak about God even while living in an assisted care facility. His condition, nor his circumstances kept him bound and did not stop him from sharing the Good News of the Gospel to those around him. Robert was loved and respected by everyone.
While many have contributed to the life of Robert Earl, it is with gratitude for his long-time friend and Sensei, Robert H. Williams. A special thank you to Robert Delgado who also was a dedicated friend and of service throughout his life.
He is proceeded in death by his parents, Calvin Sr. and Valena Williams; brother-in-law William Gardner Jr.; aunt and uncle, Thomas L. and Christine O. Joe; niece, Tina Marie Bell; son-in-law, Joseph Lee Gibson Jr.; and several aunts and uncles from the south.
His memory will never be forgotten; he is survived by one sister, Odessa Gardner; and two brothers, Calvin (Roberta) Williams Jr., and Louis A. Williams, all of Seattle, WA.
He leaves to cherish his memory five adult children LaShaunda (David) Williams-Ryles, Robin Williams, Sonelle Williams, Kellen Williams, and Marc Williams; eight grandchildren De’Cenio Wakgira, De’Shon Williams, Mekhi Edwards, Jaiden Williams, Jonah Gibson, Skye Kizart, Kinsey Kizart, and Kellyn Riley Williams. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Dad,
We didn’t want to see you go… but we know the Lord has called you home for a reason. We’re grateful to have been able to enjoy your presence here on earth. Through the highs and lows, we have our memories of you to cherish.
As kids, I will remember the scavenger hunts you had for us and the clues you would put together for a fun time. I will remember how you would always give us half-dollar and Susan B. Anthony coins. I will remember how we often took the bus downtown to go to the Bon Marche to pick out a clothing item or how fun it was to go to the Ye Olde Curiosity Shop.
I will remember going to the park in Mt. Baker and walking to the store from the “green house” to buy candy. I will remember how we would do crossword puzzles and play the game of dots and boxes. I will remember how we used to love playing on your typewriter and making up silly stories.
I will remember how you used to light up when we would visit you at the care facility. I will remember how you sang a song even while you were in the hospital, and your singing blessed the nurses.
I will remember how you gave us your poems and scriptures for words of encouragement. Oh, the memories, Dad… I love you, and you will truly be missed! Love Always, your eldest daughter. ~LaShaunda
Our thoughts and prayers are with our Father, Calvin Williams Jr., Aunt Odessa, Uncle Louis and Uncle Roberts Children. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our Uncle, Robert Earl Williams. Growing up as children, Andre (RIP), Renita, Derek and I, lived with Grandma and Grandpa, and Uncle Robert. He was everything to us. We played games, including scary ones that promised a reward, for bravery, of ice cream and candy! We listened to music on his little transistor radio and were introduced to the Jackson Five, who Uncle Robert told us lived inside the radio. Of course we believed him; he was Uncle Robert! We spent a lot of time with Uncle Robert, and every moment of our childhood with him in it, was happy and memorable. Our hearts are broken, but his memory lives on. Our eldest brother, Andre Williams, also preceded him in death. We pray they are enjoying their reunion and revisiting the happy times.
All our love, Delise, Renita and Derek.
Dad,
Life will always be full of regrets. The could have, should have, would have. But overall, love is the word that best describes how we overcome it all. You lived in love, laughed in love. I hope I love better like you. I will never forget you as the person who introduced your kids to the joys of downtown Seattle, magic mouse and the curiosity shop. To Grandma’s fried chicken, and playtime in the back woods of the green house. To simple breakfasts…smokies and cereal, to riding bikes until street lights came on. You encouraged creativity and thinking outside the box. My love of scary movies comes from you and how often you scared us with masks and stories of the 10 o clock dummy. So many memories so little space to write it all, and speaking of writing you gave me that. A God given gift and love for writing. I’m too late to say the words, too late for one last hug or kiss but I hope somehow you knew I loved you. Rest where you belong, in Heaven with God and Grandma Chickymo. -Always and Forever, Robin E Williams (daughter #2)
Uncle Robert,
I will always miss you a lot. I remember every time I came to visit you would always have that gigantic smile on your face that would light up the room and that strong handshake that would hurt a persons hand. I know even when you were in pain you would never show it at all. I wish I had more time with you, but I know you are at peace with the lord now and with other family members. I love you a lot and miss you uncle. God got another beautiful soul and angel.
~ Your niece Kymberly
Marc Spencer Young
Uncle Robert,
Man could you brighten a room with your smile! I loved coming to visit you and appreciated the kind words and poems you would share with me. Thank you for always encouraging me and giving me beautiful people I can call family. Your motivation was always encouraging and I enjoyed your company. I love you uncle and I will see you again!
GOD definitely gained a strong, powerful, spiritual Angel.
Always in our hearts.