Ret. Col. Robert Williams, Sr., 96

Col. (Retired) Robert E. “Bob” Williams, Sr., 96, of Summertown, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Emanuel County Nursing Home following an extended illness. Funeral services were held Friday, May 9, at 4 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Swainsboro with Reverend Jim Harrell officiating. Interment followed at Eastbrook Cemetery and Mausoleum. Family received friends Friday, May 9, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church.

Pallbearers were Zachary Williams, Jakob Williams, Tommy Herrington, Brad Hooks, Mark Allen, Mark Stroud, Jason Conner and Benny Penn.

Bob was born April 12, 1929, in Swainsboro, to the late Felix Carlton Williams and Louise Pierce Williams. He began his military career through his education as a Georgia Military College cadet at the age of 12 in 1941. Bob completed his high school education and two years of junior college at GMC in Milledgeville, where he also met his future wife of 57 years, Kathleen Benefield. Later in life, he completed his associates degree at Brewton Parker College, BA degree in Criminal Justice from Mercer/Tift University, and LLB degree at Atlanta Law School. Bob’s military education included Leadership School, Infantry OCS, Advance Infantry Officers CRS, Manpower Control CRS, and Airborne Transport CRS.

Bob served as a military commissioned officer in the United States Army which included overseas service in Okinawa during the Korean war and two tours in Vietnam during the Vietnam War where he served jointly in the U.S. Marine Corps. He also did tours of duty in Japan, Germany, and Korea. Bob’s career of dedication and distinguished service to his country is represented by the 21 medals awarded during his time of service. They include the Bronze Star (2), Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, American Expeditionary Forces Medal, Air Medal, National Defense Medal (2), U.N. Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Army of Occupation Medal, Army Reserve Forces Medal, Georgia Army National Guard Service Medal (2), Vietnam Service Medal (2), Vietnam Campaign Medal, Vietnam Armed Forces Honor Medal 1st Class, Vietnam Staff Service Medal 1st Class, and Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm Medal awarded by the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam).

After retirement from the armed forces, Bob began a career in law enforcement as Chief Deputy Sherriff of Emanuel County. This led to his roles as a parole, probation, and correctional officer. Bob was appointed as warden of the Claxton Detention Center in Claxton. He would go on to retire from the Georgia Department of Corrections as the warden of Emanuel PDC which was the first male probation and detention center for the State of Georgia.

Bob’s dedication to his community is represented by organizing the first recreation department in Swainsboro, serving as a member of the Exchange Club, Jaycees, Moose Club, and ending as an elected official of the Swainsboro City Council. He was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at First Baptist Church of Swainsboro. Bob continued the family tradition of Freemasonry, becoming a Mason like his father and grandfather before him.

Through the years, Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing, riding horses, motorcycles, and reading. He was known for his honesty and earned respect for being fair. Bob was a dedicated husband and father to his family. In his later years, his grandchildren were his greatest joy. Ret. Col. Williams is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Kathleen Benefield Williams; and grandson-in-law, Brian Thrasher.

Ret. Col. Williams is survived by his sons, Robert Edward “Rip” Williams, Jr. of Summertown and Wade Carlton Williams (Amanda) of Milledgeville; daughters, Debra Ann Kiely (David) of Cumming and Nancy Leigh Williams of Summertown; his beloved grandchildren, Kiely Danielle Thrasher of Warner Robins, Zachary Thomas Williams of Summertown and Jakob Harrison Williams of Milledgeville; and extended family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Georgia Sheriffs’ Youth Home-Herrington Homestead, 8109 Hwy 297, Nunez, GA 30448.

Durden-Hudson Funeral Directors was in charge of arrangements.