In Memory

Bobby R. Williams

Bobby R. Williams

Bobby Ray Williams died at approximately 3:30 AM, Sunday, August 5, 2012.  He was living in Oklahoma City, OK.  

Bobby was born in Geiger, AL, February 28, 1942.  His family moved to Lincoln and Bob attended Clinton Elementary and Whittier Junior High.  After graduating from LHS he attended University of Central Oklahoma, 1962-1965 and was a starter on the football team all four years.  The UCO Brocos were NAIA National Champions in 1962.  In 1966 Bob was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 11th round of the NFL Draft and went on to play for the Detroit Lions, retiring in 1972.

 

There was a Celebration of the Life for Bobby Williams on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at Warren United Methodist Church in Lincoln. A graveside burial service was held Friday, August 17 at Wyuka. Dave Drevo, Class President, represented the Class of 1961 as a eloquent speaker during the church service. Aldie Johnson and Dick Beechner also offered words of praise for Bobby as an athlete, competitor, classmate and family man. Many LHS classmates from the Class of '61, '60 and 59 were present as well.  It was noted and we all smiled...."Once a Link, Always a Link".  Farewell Bobby.

CLICK HERE for the August 11th & 16th memorial service documents in pdf format. Scroll down to see all 8 pages. The following is the obituary posted by the Temple and Sons Funeral Directors in Oklahoma City, OK.

 

 

Name: Bobby Ray Williams

Date: February 28, 1942 - August 5, 2012

Biography

Place of birth: Geiger, Alabama

Mother: Susie Washington

Father: Perry Williams

Daughters: Tracy

Sons: Bobby Williams

Sisters: Barbara Turner, Dorthy Wilkins, Johnny Houston, Ann Cross, Annie Rowry

Brothers: Perry Williams, Herbert Payne, Joe Williams, Charly Williams, Effell Williams, Ted Williams, James Williams, John Williams, Greg Williams

Education: Lincoln High School and Central State-University of Central Oklahoma

Occupation: Athlete; National Football League; Industry

Visitations: Friday, August 10, 2012 1:00 PM-9:00 PM.

Services Oklahoma City: Fifth Street Baptist Church, 801 N.E. 5th St., Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, 11:00 AM Saturday, August 11, 2012

Services Lincoln:  Thursday, August 16, 2012, 2:00 PM, Warren United Methodist, 1205 No. 45th St. 

Cemetery: Wyuka Cemetery, 35th and O St., Lincoln, Nebraska

Graveside Service:  Friday, August 17, 2012, 11:00 AM.

 

In acknowledgement of his outstanding athletic career Bob was recognized by many.

 

The Aug. 9 Lincoln Jr Star sports section article about Bobby's death quoted Aldie Johnson about his lifelong relationship with Bobby. CLICK HERE

Bobby's "In Memory" page contains several links to Hall of Fame web sites where Bobby's achievements are detailed.  CLICK HERE  "Williams a Leader as Link, Lion" is the headline for a wonderful tribute by Omaha World Herald Staff Writer Stu Pospisl. CLICK HERE

Bobby has always held a special place in our hearts--he will be deeply missed. Our condolences go to his family and friends at this difficult time.

Bobby was an outstanding athlete at LHS & beyond. He has won the race.

Sports Achievements

1961 Hastings Invitational 9.5 in the 100 is a record.

Photo provided by Aldie Johnson.

Bobby was inducted into the LHS Athletic Hall of Fame in 1983. CLICK HERE
 
 
Bobby was inducted into the Nebraska Sports Hall of Fame in 2001. CLICK HERE
 
Bobby was considered by many the finest all-around athlete in Lincoln High history. In football he was mentioned for all-state his junior year and unanimous all-state as a senior. In 1960 as a senior, he led the team in scoring with 29 touchdowns and six extra points to make him the second highest scorer in Lincoln High history. As a sophomore he competed in wrestling where he was all-city champion at 175 pounds. Then he played basketball as a junior and senior. Track was a real forte for him. He was perhaps the fastest prep athlete ever in the state of Nebraska. He was the winner (:09.5) of the first 100-yard dash run in Nebraska where the first four across the finish line were under 10 seconds at the Hastings Invitational in 1961. His time moved him into a tie for the fastest time in the nation that year. Bobby was the first Nebraskan to break the 24-foot barrier in the long jump and is still high on the all-time chart in that event. He went on to play football at University of Central Oklahoma as a four-year starter at halfback. Totaling his rushing and kickoff return yards, he amassed a career total of 3,094 all-purpose yards. He was drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1966 and after two years he went to the Detroit Lions for four years. He led the NFL in kickoff-returns in 1969.
 

Played NFL Football for Cardinals & Lions

On December 1, 2005, Bobby was one of 47 players inducted into the UCO All-Century Football Team.  Please see the following link detailing this honor. CLICK HERE.

 

 
Bobby was in Nebraska, August 2010, for his induction into the Nebraska Black Sports Hall of Fame. While in Nebraska, Bobby joined fellow LHS classmates for the August 5, LHS dinner at Wilderness Ridge.  His familiar smile and laugh warmed up the room.
 
See "Photo Gallery" for more images.

 

 



 
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08/06/12 08:45 PM #1    

Joan D. Rockwell (Brannigan)

So sorry to know of Bobby's death.  He gave us so much fun watching him play football in high school.  He was always such a sweet person too.  Especially, I would like to say to his twin sister, he will be missed as we all loved him.


08/08/12 08:31 PM #2    

Larry Phillips

Joe Damian, Bobby and I  shared many fond memories dating back to our days at Whittier Jr. High school. A great athelete and a great person. Our sympathy goes out to his family. Rest In Peace Bobby.

Larry Phillips


08/08/12 08:37 PM #3    

Cathy Stump (Rauch)

Enormous gratitude must be expressed to all who had the courage to compete in athletic arenas at Lincoln High.  Because of your grit, sweat and effort and hundreds of hours of practice, those of us in the stands could be a part of it all.  On the mats, the court, the track and the field, we all could be swept in and lifted up into a collective frenzy.  Today offers a final opportunity to applaud and cheer for Bobby.  Because always, always, Bobby made “it” happen.  One last time, game on!


08/10/12 01:42 PM #4    

Gloria J. Kowrack (Schmidt)

Bobby=You always were the exception to the rule. You danced like a butterfly, flew like a bee and did everything to the max. I loved your kidding and good times. LHS will never be the same. You set the bar high and then jumped over it yourself. You will be long remembered and loved. Our condolences to your family. You were one special guy!!! Wait for the rest of us-the great reunion in the sky. 


08/12/12 07:50 PM #5    

Patricia Rein (Weeth)

So sorry to hear about Bobby. I will remember him and his family in my prayers.


08/20/12 07:42 PM #6    

Wayne H. Schwindt

Good friends are hard to find. you made many friends just by being you. You will be in all our harts forever GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY  YOUR FRIEND wAYNE sCHWINDT


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