Bob R. Williams

Bob R. Williams passed this life peacefully in his sleep March 2, 2017.  He is survived by his loving wife, Billie Gayle of the home, his children Patricia Gayle Woods; David Moore Williams and his wife Mary; Abbe Lynn Riggin and her husband Mark; and Bobby Ray Williams Jr.  His grandchildren are: John Michael Woods, Matthew Emerick Woods, Zachary Robert Riggin and his wife Jessica, Luci O’Hara Riggin Wilson and her husband Evan, and DJ Williams. He is also survived by two great grandchildren Amelia Dean Riggin and Sophie Leighton Riggin. And finally, his best buddy, his dog Job.  Bob R. was preceded in death by his beloved parents Frank and Lucy Belle Williams, his brothers Edwin and his wife Winnie, George and his wife Helen and his youngest brother Thomas Bob R. was born on September 25, 1924 at Fort Sill in Lawton, Oklahoma. Though Daddy was small, the footprint he leaves is immeasurable. He lived a rich life- rich in faith, family, friends and experiences.   Growing up in a military family taught him duty, honor and love of country. His mother Lucy Belle taught him that no matter the obstacle he could and would succeed.  As a teenager he began a journey that would fuel his passion for sports. At Lawton High he learned the art of being an outstanding trainer. While working at an All State game he caught the eye of Oklahoma A& M football Coach Jim Lookabaugh, who encouraged Daddy to see Coach Iba for a position as a trainer for the Aggies.  Daddy didn’t waste time; he hitchhiked to Stillwater twice to see Coach Iba (Coach Iba was out of town the first trip.) His time at Oklahoma A&M was magical. With two of the finest mentors a young man could ever have in Lookabaugh and Iba and with friends Fenimore, Kurland, Armstrong, Tully and Colhouer just to name a few, how could it be anything else. His time in Stillwater wasn’t all about working, and getting his degree; by all accounts he was the Fred Astaire of A& M.           Daddy had an incredible career coaching, beginning at Eastern Oklahoma A&M, with stops in Borger, Texas; Lawton, Oklahoma and ending in Shawnee, Oklahoma. He loved his former players and felt honored to have been a part of their lives. He was inducted into the National High School Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame, and the Oklahoma Coaches Association Hall of Fame. While sports were his passion, his greatest love was for Mom; she was his everything. They were a team. The family requests that memorial contributions be made in Coach Williams name to either of the following Scholarship funds: Varsity Trainer Fund by going to OSUGiving.com or by referencing the scholarship number 23-55800 or Eastern Oklahoma State College Bob Williams Scholarship Fund in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Services will be Wednesday at 11:00 A.M. March 8, 2017 at Fairview Baptist Church.