Robert Bruce Williams Sr., age 93, went home to be with the Lord on November 16, 2020.

Robert Bruce Williams, Sr., was born July 11, 1927 in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late James Frederick Williams and Evangelist Mahala Martin Talbert. Robert accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at very early age. He was called to the ministry at age 13, but did not acknowledge it because of his desire to be a lawyer. At age 20, after much introspection and his desire to be obedient and do God’s will, he finally acknowledged and accepted his calling to preach the gospel.

After graduating from Warren G. Harding High School (Warren, OH) in 1946, Robert enlisted into the United States Army/ Air Force. After receiving an honorable discharge, Robert attended Youngstown University where he studied photography and law. Robert transferred to Cleveland Bible College (Malone College), earning two Bachelor’s degrees in Theology and Religious Education in 1953 and 1954 respectively. Robert was employed at Republic Steel, White Motors Company; and served as the Director at Stark County Community Action Agency (SCCAA).

While attending Williams Temple Church of God in Christ, Robert met the lovely Dorothy Mae Williams, the daughter of the late Bishop Riley F. Williams. In May 1950, Robert and Dorothy married in Cleveland, Ohio. From this union, they welcomed four beautiful children: Diane Roberta Whitted, Darlene Roslyn Williams, Debra Robin Williams and Robert Bruce Williams, Jr. Robert and Dorothy were married for 51 years until Dorothy’s passing in 2001.

Robert was blessed to receive his early ministry training and experience at Williams Temple Church of God in Christ under his late father-in-law, Bishop Riley F. Williams. In or about 1967, Robert was appointed Pastor of St. Paul Church of God in Christ, Massillon, OH. He and his family traveled the highways from Cleveland to Massillon for several years. In 1974, the family relocated to Massillon, OH. Robert was also called to evangelize and conduct revivals throughout the state of Ohio for many years. After a revival conducted in Cleveland, he was asked to return to serve as Interim/Assistant Pastor at Hayes Temple, on behalf of Pastor J.W. Hayes. After four years, Robert was officially appointed Pastor at Hayes Temple in 1982. Robert retired as Pastor of Hayes Temple Church of God in Christ in December 2014. For several years, Robert hosted a radio broadcast on WABQ entitled “Stop Now: It’s Praying Time.” How apropos, considering todays trying times. Robert was an avid reader, and housed a library of over 10,000 books. He would spend hours upon hours reading the word of God, as well as English literature, psychology, the sciences, art, law, etc. He was often referred to as a Theologian.

Robert faithfully served under, Ohio North and Ohio Central under the leadership of his late father-in law, Bishop Riley F. Williams, the late Bishop U.E. Miller, the late Bishop Robert Fields, the late Bishop William James, the late Bishop Warren Miller, the late Bishop Robert Chapman, Bishop Clifford Kimbrough and currently under Bishop David Herron.

Even as he faced challenges in his health, Robert stayed true to his message “Stay in the Word.” On Monday, November 16, 2020, God told him,” Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Preceding him in death were his parents James Frederick Williams, Mahala M. Talbert, his beloved Dorothy Mae Williams, daughters, Diane Roberta Whitted and Darlene Roslyn Williams.

Robert leaves to cherish his memory: his children, Debra Robin Williams, Robert Bruce Williams, Jr., (Robin), grandchildren, Dawn Williams, Dionne Waggoner, Danielle Westbrook (Darnell), Marquis Williams, Robert Williams, III, LeMarr Williams, Deirdre Williams, Aaliyah Williams and Tinker Williams; and 15 great grandchildren, cousins Mary Ann Franklin, Allen Smith and Herbert Martin, spiritual children Elder Frank Laister and Missy Minnie Graham, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and a host of friends. Special thanks to his caregivers, Aultman Hospice and Palliative Care Center, Ms. Trena McNeal, Ms.  Shavon Umbles and Ms. Taylor Isles!