Robert Lee “Bob” McWilliams Jr., 82, was born Oct. 9, 1929, in Elkmont to Memory Viva Weatherford and Robert Lee McWilliams Sr.
He died at 2:04 p.m., Tuesday, June 12, 2012, of complications after having emergency vascular surgery four weeks previously. He was in the care of IU Health Home Hospice, and died at the home he shared with his daughter and her family since February 2011.
Honoring Bob’s request, there will be no funeral. He donated his body to the Indiana University School of Medicine Anatomical Education Program. A memorial service in Athens will be announced at a later date.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Imogene “Gene” Bailes McWilliams, in 2001; and elder son, Robert Lee McWilliams III, in 2005.
He is survived by daughter, Anne Grace McWilliams; and younger son, Patrick Butler McWilliams of Indianapolis; daughter-in-law, Marie Ruddy McWilliams, mother of Bob’s two granddaughters, Carolanne Grace and Antonia Marie (Toni) McWilliams of Daytona Beach, Fla.; and many dear relatives and friends.
Bob grew up in Birmingham. He attended the Glen Iris School and Ramsay High School. At age 17, he volunteered for service in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean War, and served for four years at Camp Lejeune, Parris Island, S. C.
Having earned high school graduate equivalency during his service in the Marine Corps, he attended Athens College where he met his wife, Gene. With their three children, Anne, Robert and Patrick, they lived all of their married lives, until Gene’s death, in Athens. Bob was a fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide football team, and was a season ticket holder for many years.
Bob retired in 1995, after 38 years of employment by Wolverine Tube Corporation in Decatur. He enjoyed volunteering in his community, including adult literacy and re-entry services for formerly incarcerated men. He enjoyed worship and service in his church.
Those wishing to honor his life with a memorial gift might consider contributing to charities of their choice.
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