Robert Williamson

Robert Earl “Bob” Williamson was born on September 6, 1956 in Urbana, Illinois and passed away peacefully at home on March 21, 2022 after a long battle with cancer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. He spent many years working in the car industry, starting at Audubon Ford with his father. After the stress of the industry took it's toll on his health, he started a second successful career in the heavy equipment rental business. Always a generous and humble man, he often spoke to himself in the mirror, asking only, “Why am I so beautiful?” Bob’s impressive record collection was only surpassed by his exquisite musical taste. He attended countless concerts with his family and friends. He also found great joy and peace in the outdoors, whether he was fishing in Timbalier Bay or admiring a sunset in a National Park. After dealing with numerous health scares and faced with his own mortality, he began a spiritual journey that ultimately led him to the practice of Buddhism. He became a very active member of the sangha at Tam Bao Temple in Baton Rouge. Through his spiritual awakening, Bob developed a deep respect and compassion for all living things, even hardhead catfish. He is preceded in death by his father Virlon Will “Bill” Williamson, mother Nancy Davis Williamson, brother Rick, and several beloved pets, even Lucky. He is survived by his wife Ellen; son Brian and wife Jacalyn; son Billy and wife Kelli; grandchildren Tenley, Lucas, Avery, and Amelie; brother John and wife Debbie; brother Chris and wife Susan; and his loyal dog Sadie. A service will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Resthaven Funeral Home at 11817 Jefferson Highway.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks you to donate your time or money to a worthy cause. Some of Bob’s favorite charities were the Baton Rouge Food Bank, St. Vincent de Paul Bishop Ott Shelter, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and Sierra Club. And please register as an organ donor. Bob received a heart transplant in 2008. This selfless act from a stranger provided him and his family with another 13 years they likely would not have had together otherwise.