Robert Brunner Williams

LtCol. Robert Brunner Williams, 92, of Granite Falls; formerly of Oakton, Virginia, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Hickory Falls Health and Rehab following a period of declining health.

Robert was born on October 22, 1933, in Chatham, New Jersey, to the late Martin Joiner Williams and Mary Tschudy Williams. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps as an Artilleryman at age 18 eager to serve his country and continued to do so for 30 years. He fought to liberate the people of both Korea and Vietnam. While serving in Vietnam, LtCol. Williams was awarded the Silver Star for bravery in combat. He was an active member of many organizations, including the VFW, Piedmont Commandery, Allied Masonic Degrees, Royal Arch Chapter #25 of Fauquier, Heroes of ‘76, Sojourners, Kena Shriners, and the Masonic Lodge, where he was a past Grand Master of the Henry Lodge in Fairfax, Virginia. He was on the advisory board of the Rainbow Girls Grand Cross of Colors and was a past patron of the Eastern Star. A proud Eagle Scout, LtCol. Williams was a scout master for the Boy Scouts troupe in Vienna, Virginia, for several years.

He was affectionately known by various names throughout his life. Some called him Rofty, Dad, Granddad, Cookie, Santa, or Uncle Bob. Everyone who knew him by one of these names would say it with a smile. He spent countless hours volunteering, but playing the role of Santa was one of his favorites. He wore many uniforms as well throughout life. You may have seen him in dress blues, a Santa suit, Masonic apron, or a plaid shirt and old jeans with suspenders - he wore them all with pride and a smile (and a hanky in his back pocket). He loved visiting his family’s cabin in the Catskill Mountains of New York and cherished his time there every summer.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his late wife, Anna H. Williams; first wife, Barbara Margaret Bradley; sister, Mary Ann Williams; and brother, Martin Williams.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children, Robin Hughes and husband Patrick of Aptos, CA, Scott Williams of Pinole, CA, Kathryn Chere and husband COL John E. Chere Jr. of Santa Rosa, CA, Heidi Williams of Mayfield Heights, OH, Kurt Williams and wife Mandy of Granite Falls, and Karl Williams and wife Jennifer of Charlotte; grandchildren, John Chere, III, Dominique (Chere) and Jeffrey Alexander, Yvette (Chere) and Cole Weaver, Christian Williams, Cameron Williams, Paulina Williams, and Brunner Williams; and great grandchildren, John, IV, Rowan, and Colette . Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service will be held next year on July 24, 2027, at the Grahamsville Rural Cemetery, where LtCol. Williams will be interred in his beloved Catskill Mountains.

An online guestbook and obituary are available at www.mackiefh.com.

Mackie Funeral Service and Cremations is assisting the family.