Robert Alden “Bob” Williams, age 97, of St. Augustine, passed away on April 30, 2023 at Bailey Family Center for Caring in St. Augustine, FL. Bob was born on September 24, 1925 in Muncie, IN to parents Clyde Alden and Mabel (Hartley) Williams. After graduating from high school, Bob served his country in the US Army during World War II. He returned from military service and settled in Central Florida.
Bob enjoyed a long career in the automotive sales industry as a manager, controller and owner that spanned over 40 years. He began his career Heintzman Ford in Orlando. He later served as General Manager of Key Scales Ford in Leesburg from 1965 to 1981. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Rita Havron, who was a bookkeeper and office manager at the dealership. Bob and Rita married on June 2, 1973. In 1981, Bob became the Controller and Stockholder at Nick Nicholas Ford in Inverness. Bob and Rita worked at the dealership until their retirement in 1989.
In 1990 Bob & Rita retired to the Ocean Gallery Resort in St. Augustine. He was a longtime member of Anastasia Baptist Church and was currently a member of Crescent Beach Baptist Church. Bob was a devoted Christian and a bold witness for the Lord. There was nothing more important in his life than to make sure that those around him knew the Lord. A close second was his relationship with his wife Rita. Bob and Rita enjoyed a close relationship and Bob always referred to Rita as “my bride” Relationships were clearly Bob’s highest priority in life though he did enjoy photography and listening to music.
Bob was preceded in death by his wife Rita, a son, Eric and 2 brothers. He is survived by daughters, Marsha Shultz and her husband Brad of Indianapolis, In., Sally Crawford and her husband Lenwood of Cairo, Ga., Helen Viola and her husband Andy of St. Augustine, Rita Thompson of St. Augustine, Marci Williams and her husband David of Charlottesville, Va.; sons, Stephen Havron and his wife Robin of Titus, Alabama, William Havron, Jr. and his wife Bobbi of Newland, N.C., 18 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter.
Funeral services will be held at 3 pm Wednesday, May 3, 2023 at St. Johns Family Funeral Home with Rev. Ron Moore officiating. A visitation, beginning at 2 pm will precede the service. Committal services with military honors will be held at 1:30 pm on Thursday, May 4, 2023 at Jacksonville National Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully accepted or donations in his memory can be made to: Crescent Beach Baptist Church Building Fund, 885 State Road 206, St Augustine, FL 32086.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.