William Robert “Bob” Williams, B.B.A. ’64

William Robert “Bob” Williams, B.B.A. ’64, passed away Nov. 21, 2022, peacefully at home. 

Williams was born Jan. 30, 1942, in Falfurrias, TX, to Claude and Mary Etta Williams. Williams grew up in Teague, TX. Following his graduation from Teague High School, he attended Baylor University on a scholarship from Citizen’s National Bank of Waco. He received his B.B.A. in accounting in 1964. Williams started his career in banking as a national bank examiner in West Virginia, followed by postings in Richmond, VA, Dallas and Houston. After 14 years, he returned to Waco as president of Lake Air National Bank, and continued his banking career at InterFirst Bank Waco, N.A., and its successor banks for 26 years, concluding 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 Dec. 31, 2016.

In 1967, Williams married the love of his life, Patty Williams. They began their marriage in Charleston, WV, before eventually moving back to Texas and settling in Waco in 1979. Williams was a devoted father to two children, Tom and Meredith, and a loving grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren, Luke, Claire and Sara. Williams was an avid hunter, loved the outdoors and nature and enjoyed many hunting trips with his son and friends. In his retirement, Williams 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 and Patty were supporters of many non-profit organizations including Fuzzy Friends, Waco Historic Foundation, Waco Symphony Orchestra and the Rotary Club.

Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Claude and Mary Etta Williams; his wife, of 51 years, Patty; and his beloved teacup poodle, Molly, a Fuzzy Friends rescue.