Robert Ray Williams

Robert (Bob) Williams was born in Enid, Oklahoma on August 29, 1938, and went home to heaven on November 5, 2024. Survivors include his wife, Bobbi, daughter, Amy Church and husband, James Church, granddaughters Carrington Church and Kennedy Church. Also surviving is daughter Lisa Whitten and husband Gary Whitten, grandsons, Shad Whitten, Chase Whitten and wife Melissa and great grandsons, Brody Whitten and Ryder Whitten.

He served in the U.S. Air Force where he was trained as a rotary wing and fixed wing aircraft mechanic. He served as crew chief on a search and rescue helicopter. After his time in the Air Force, he attended Bakersfield College and San Jose State University, graduating with honors in business.

Bob worked for Aetna Insurance Co., eventually purchasing a small insurance agency and building it into a large multi-line agency which was a principal in Kern Insurance Associates. He and partners started Personal Express Insurance with offices in Bakersfield and Fresno. He also was a founding partner in Bobbi's Hallmark.

In the past, Bob served as a deacon in his church. He was a past president of Bakersfield Association of Independent Insurance Agents. He also served a term as president of Seven Oaks Country Club.

In retirement Bob enjoyed golf and fly-fishing, learning to tie his own flies. He wrote articles about fly fishing and was published in several magazines. He also wrote an article about his uncle, Bud, who was killed in World War II, which is in the Library of Congress.

A graveside service will be held at 9:15 a.m. on November 14 at the Bakersfield National Cemetery, 30338 E. Bear Mountain Blvd., Arvin, CA 93203.