Robert ‘Bob’ Francis Williams Sr.

Robert “Bob” Francis Williams Sr., 91, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus in the early morning hours of Oct. 28, 2025, at home, after a courageous two-year illness. Robert was born on Sept. 25, 1934, to the late Francis Israel and Edna Marie (Higginbotham) Williams.

A proud veteran, Bob honorably served in both the United States Navy and in the United States Marine Corps where he was an air wing mechanic, a boxer, earning both the expert rifle and expert pistol medals.

His sense of duty and service continued beyond the military as he served his community as a Constable and Deputy Sheriff, and a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol. A hardworking and entrepreneurial man, Bob owned and operated Bob Williams Amoco and Ritchie & Huffy Towing Service. He later served as a City Councilman and was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need.

After retiring from Weirton Steel Corporation in 1994 where he was a Pipe Fitter, Welder, and truck driver, Bob continued to pursue his many passions. A talented mechanic, he could often be found in his garage working on engines, painting and restoring cars, and he could fix almost anything! He was often found riding his Honda Goldwing around town and across the country, or taking to the skies in his Cessna. He was equally at home on the open road with his Harley Davidson as he was in the hangar or among family. With his patience, Bob taught his family many skills.

Bob was a lifelong fitness enthusiast and an avid racer in his younger years — he raced stock cars; he was a fast pitch softball pitcher, and he sponsored many children’s community teams over the years. Papall enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their many sports and activities. He was immensely proud of his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; he loved his family with every ounce of his being. His wisdom will be carried in the hearts of his children and instilled in his grandchildren for generations to come.

Bob was a baptized, born-again Christian and a member of the Weirton Heights Church of Christ. His faith guided him throughout his life, and his humble upbringing shaped the strength, generosity, and steadfast love he showed to others.

Bob often spoke fondly of his early years growing up in Weirton, where he worked as a pin setter, polished shoes, delivered newspapers, and raced soapbox cars. In 1952, he became a graduate of Weir High School.

Robert learned to play the guitar and as a young man developed his mechanical skill that became a lifelong passion and trade. He carried those same values of hard work, integrity, humility, and perseverance into every chapter of his life. Bob was also an avid follower of politics throughout his entire life. He was a member of the TriState Marine Corps Club.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents; his eldest son from his first marriage to Bernadine Janet Harvilack, Robert Wayne (Mieczkowski) Williams; and his daughter, Yolanda Marie Harper.

Left to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy is his beloved wife, Anita Mae (Porter) Williams, whom he married on May 24, 1969, in Romney, West Virginia. Together, for 63 years, they built a life of love, dedication, commitment, and perseverance through all of life’s ups and downs.

He is survived by his son Robert Francis Williams Jr. and his wife Kenda of Lansing, Michigan, and their children Morgyn, Robert III, and Jonathan; and his daughter Ursula Marie Williams Greenwood of Chincoteague Island, Virginia, son-in-law, Tim, and their children Logan-Charles Francis, Anslyn-Grace Marie, and Bryn-Anne Faith-Marie; and his youngest son, Aaron Joseph Williams, of New Cumberland, West Virginia.

Robert is also survived by his daughter Cindy Mieczkowski Tate and her children Bryan Tate and his family, and Danielle Tate; his daughter, Yolanda’s children, Tanaya Harper Nelson and her husband Eric of Cleveland, Ohio, and their children and grandchildren; Saudi Harper of Charleston, West Virginia; and Ayana Harper Jeter and her husband Dante of Weirton, West Virginia, and their children Gianna Bonar Williams, Kamryn Mallas, Jordyn, and Shallon Jeter.

Also cherishing his memory is Ursula’s eldest son and Papall’s original sidekick, Justin “J-J” Schmalstieg, who proudly followed in his grandfather’s footsteps as an air wing mechanic as a United States Marine, along with his wife Mykelti and their daughters, Bob’s great-grandchildren Lorelei Hope Marie and Eleanor Mae Lee.

Bob is further survived by his sisters-in-law Cindy Porter Skalican and Judy Porter Hennen, and his brother-in-law Godfrey Bruce “Bunk” Porter and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Bob lived life to the fullest and left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him. Bob had a quick wit, a wonderful sense of humor, and a contagious laugh. Bob had a zest for life; he was never bored — always thinking, inventing things, and enjoying all facets of life.

Bob’s wisdom, strength, generosity, and love of life will be remembered forever by those who were blessed to know him. His family takes comfort in knowing to be absent from the body is to be in the presence of The Lord Jesus, and that he has now soared into the blue skies of Heaven — free, strong, and at peace — having fought the good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith.

“They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”

— Isaiah 40:3

Viewing will be Friday, Oct. 31, 1 to 3 and 6 to 8. Bob’s funeral will be Saturday, Nov. 1 at Turley Funeral Home in New Cumberland, West Virginia, with Military graveside services to follow interment at New Cumberland Cemetery.

10/30/25