Robert Williams

Robert Edward Williams

May 17, 1934 - June 20, 2024

Robert Edward Williams died peacefully, with family at his side, at Indian River Estates in Vero Beach, Florida on June 20, 2024. He joyfully celebrated his 90th birthday with his children and grandchildren just one month prior. He is survived by his children Leanne (Jim) Toner, Jennette (Chris) Fetters, and Glenn Williams; his grandchildren Grace, Olivia, Leah, and John Mihelick; Jerod and Grant Fetters; Asher and Autumn Williams; and his brothers Joe (Lou) Williams and Jimmy (Jean) Williams, and his brother-in-law Harold (Jacqueline) Murray. Robert is preceded by his spouse of 58 years, Carole Murray Williams.

A native of New Lexington, Ohio Robert was born to Edward “Happy” and Pauline Williams and was the fourth of six children. He graduated from New Lexington High School in 1952, and with the encouragement of a local doctor, pursued a college education. He graduated from Ohio State University with a B.S. degree in Business Administration and in his own words, “This was the most important decision in the first quarter of my life.” Continuing the legacy of education, all three children graduated from Ohio State and are proud “Buckeyes”. Robert and Carole also established college funds for their grandchildren and always inquired about their educational growth and interests.

Robert was inducted into the US Army in 1957 and served in the States before heading to Stuttgart, Germany. While there he enjoyed exploring Europe in his first car - a 1947 Mercedes Benz - that he purchased for 240 dollars! Robert had a great appreciation for travel and experiencing other cultures. While working for PPG Industries, a company he served for 33 years, he was transferred to Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada where he met the love of his life, Carole Joan Murray, on a blind date. They married in 1963 and when approached by PPG to serve in Sierra Leone, West Africa, Robert and his new bride accepted the adventure. They both served in Freetown - Robert in human resources, and Carole (an RN) nursing to local residents. Ultimately, Robert was transferred to PPG’s headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA where he and Carole raised their lovely children in the suburb of Mt. Lebanon.

Once retired, he and Carole moved to Grand Harbor in Vero Beach, FL, and summered at their Ohio home which they designed and aptly named “Falling Water II”.​​ Their Ohio home was on an extended family property established by him and his siblings, which they named, “Happy Highlands”. 

Robert was a no-nonsense man and loved by all. He will be remembered fondly for his devotion to family, strong work ethic, Christian faith, and a keen interest in helping others to achieve their life goals. Robert was also an avid storyteller, letter writer, and orator who appreciated poetry, especially “Home” by Edgar A. Guest. Robert loved watching Ohio State football, reading the Wall Street Journal, talking with his family and friends, and a good meal always followed with chocolate.

Visitation will be held at Roberts-Winegardner Funeral Home in New Lexington, Ohio on July 27th from 11-12:45 and a 1:00 pm funeral service led by Pastor Richard Newlon. Interment will follow at the New Lexington Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the New Lexington Alumni Association P.O. Box 52 New Lexington, OH 43764.

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