Robert James "Bobby" Williamson

For those wishing to celebrate the life of Robert James “Bobby” Williamson are invited at 11:00 am Tuesday, April 9, 2024, for a graveside service at Walnut Grove Church in Montvale.

He was born and raised in Montvale on his grandparents’ farm, Roy, and Tiny Williamson. Bobby attended Montave High School. After high school he joined the United States Navy while serving our country upon the U.S.S. Forrestal. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he returned home and enrolled in Lynchburg College where he received his BS in Business Administration, University of Virginia where he received his master’s degree in education in 1971 and a Certificate in Computer Operations in 1980. After college Bobby went on to work as the assistant store manager at Southern States Cooperative in Lynchburg. After leaving Southern States Bobby worked for Woodmen of the World Insurance for a short time before beginning his career in education. Starting off as a seventh-grade teacher at Bedford Elementary School, high school principal in Emporia, an elementary school principal in Appomattox and then the largest portion of his teaching career before retiring was with Patrick Henry High School, Roanoke, where he taught computer science for 16 years. Bobby was a member of Mt. Zion church in Montvale and attended Epworth UMC in Thaxton. He was man who was set in his ways and was very determined. His hobbies consisted of collecting coins, polished stones which he made jewelry out of, traveling, working puzzles, listening to gospel music, and visiting different casinos where he loved to bet his odds. He was loved by many and was a very humble yet accomplished gentleman.

 Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Ishmael Flora Williamson, and Lucille May Dooley Williamson; a brother, Clifford H. Williamson; loving wife, Emily Jo Luck Dooley Williamson. Bobby is survived by his sister, Sarah W. Meador of Roanoke; brother-in-law, Marshall Cofer and his wife, Bonnie; his first wife, Lois Williamson of Blue Ridge and his special friend, Barbara Papit of Lynchburg. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.

For those wishing to make memorial contributions in Bobby’s memory please consider the American Cancer Society. The family would like to give a special thanks to Lynchburg General Hospital, UVA Medical Center, Valley View Retirement of Lynchburg and most recently to Noah’s Landing in Goode for their love, care and compassion while taking such great care of Bobby. To send condolences online please visit Tharpfuneralhome.com. Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Bedford is assisting the family.