WILLIAMS, III, Robert (Bob) Arthur

The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Saturday, April 21, 2012 Robert Arthur Williams III "Bob had an extremely rare gift - he knew how to love all mankind." It is with deep sadness that the Williams Family announces the death of longtime Prescott resident Bob Williams on April 13, 2012. He was born in Highland Park, Ill., on Aug. 22, 1955. He spent his youth in Glencoe, Ill., then moving to Arizona in the early 1970s with his family. Bob was loved by all who knew him. For most of his career, he was an educator and administrator in the Prescott School System. He earned two degrees from Northern Arizona University, a B.S. in elementary and special education and an M.A. in educational administration. He began his teaching career 1980-1986 at Prescott Mile High Middle School and Dexter Elementary School (sixth grade). From 1987-1993, he was principal at Miller Valley Elementary School. He returned to the classroom 1993-1994, teaching fourth grade at Dexter Elementary School. From 1994-2006, he resumed as principal at Miller Valley Elementary School. Mr. Williams' legendary dedication, guidance and patience with all students and faculty will be long remembered. He set high standards for himself and teachers but had a rare gift of humility and grace. After retiring in 2006, he worked at the Prescott office of Keller Williams Check Realty as an agent. Anyone who knew Bob is well aware that his greatest love was his three children, Whitney Marie, 18, Brooke Anne, 16, and Casey Arthur, 14. Whitney is a graduating senior in May, Brooke is a junior, and Casey graduates eighth grade in May. Bob's greatest joy was being a loving Dad to his kids. Growing up, Bob was the family diplomat and is most known for his philosophy, "We must agree to disagree agreeably." He was part of a very close family and is survived by five siblings, Rebecca (John), Brantley, Jonathan, Timothy (Anne) and Binsley. His parents Anne and Bob Williams preceded him in death. He was a loving uncle to Lee (Rachel), Paul, Jeik, Amalea, Christian, Naomi, Aleana, Andrew, Helen and Sonny. Bob's interests and friendships were numerous. He was a lifelong outdoorsman with a great love of hiking, camping, fishing and canoeing. His interest in canoeing led him to study the Verde River and he authored "A Floater's Guide to the Verde River," allowing many others to share the river safely. For his entire adult life, he was an expert bluegrass guitarist in the traditional Doc Watson style of picking and played in many local bands that performed around Arizona. His bluegrass mandolin and vocal abilities were also superior. He was an avid bird-watcher and animal lover and it is not quite possible to recall his many dogs and cats, but a short list is Lucy, Gainer, Cuppy, Willie and Roo. He was a near scratch golfer and played like a pro on any course. The Williams Family especially thanks Keller Williams Check Realty for originating and setting up The Bob Williams Children's Educational Trust. This trust is set up at Country Bank to honor Bob's memory, love for his children, and to support their future educational needs, and has the full support of the Prescott Unified School District. Donation checks may be made out to the trust and mailed or dropped off at Keller Williams Check Realty, 102 N. Montezuma St., Prescott, AZ 86301. To read more about Bob and contribute to his kids' remembrances, please visit http://remembranceofbobwilliams.wordpress.com. Celebration of Life memorial will be 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Hendrix Auditorium, Prescott Mile High Middle School, 300 S. Granite St., Prescott, AZ 86303. All are welcome to join the Williams family in honoring Bobby. Parking may be difficult; please allow extra time. Please contact Jon Williams at tjwfree@yahoo.com with any questions. Information provided by survivors. ~~~~~~~~~ The Daily Courier, Prescott, Arizona Tuesday, May 01, 2012 Robert Arthur Williams III, 56, of Prescott, Ariz., born Aug. 22, 1955, in Glencoe, Ill., passed away April 13, 2012. Services will be 2 p.m. May 5, 2012, at the Hendrix Auditorium at Mile High School, Prescott, Ariz. Arrangements by Arizona Ruffner Wakelin Funeral Home.