William Robert “Bob” Williams passed away on November 21 peacefully at home. He was 80.
Following graduation from Teague High School in Teague, Williams attended Baylor University on a scholarship from Citizen’s National Bank of Waco. He received his BBA degree in accounting in 1964 and launched his banking career as a national bank examiner in West Virginia, followed by postings in Richmond, Virginia, as well as Dallas and Houston. After 14 years as a bank examiner, Williams returned to Waco as president of Lake Air National Bank. He continued his banking career at InterFirst Bank Waco and its successor banks for 26 years, concluding his tenure there as senior credit policy officer for Bank of America. He then joined the Community Bank and Trust family as an executive vice president. Williams retired from his 56-year banking career at the end of 2016.
Williams was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors and nature, and enjoyed many hunting trips with his son and friends. In his retirement, he enjoyed tinkering in the garage and spending time with his grandchildren. Throughout his life, he served on many local boards, including Providence Hospital and Providence Foundation. Williams—along with his wife of 51 years, Patty—were supporters of many nonprofit organizations, including Fuzzy Friends, the Waco Historic Foundation, Waco Symphony Orchestra and Rotary Club.
Williams’ wife preceded him in death. His survivors include a son Tom and daughter Meredith and their respective spouses; three grandchildren: Luke, Claire and Sara; and additional family members, friends and pets.
