Robert “Buck” Jake Williams, age 80, of Wilmington, NC passed away on Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at Autumn Care of Myrtle Grove in Wilmington, NC.

He was born on May 26, 1940 in Columbus County, NC to the late James and Gladys (Reeves) Williams.

Robert was a member of the NRA and the Elks Club. During his working years, he invented several innovative meat processing machines at Thorn Apple Valley. Robert enjoyed his retirement and spending time with his fiancé of 21 years, Beatrice Redwine, until her passing in August of 2019. He often frequented classic car shows. Most of all, Robert loved his children, grandchildren, and all of God’s creatures.

Robert is survived by his sons, Rex Williams and Mark Williams; daughter, Jo Lynn Cannady; brothers, Kenneth Williams and wife, Libby, and Norman Williams and wife, Beverly; sister, Denise Latta and husband, Paul; grandchildren, Heather Williams, Alex Williams and wife, Shanice, Aimee McIntosh and husband, Justin, Sara Cannady and boyfriend, Vance Clark, Jake Cannady and wife, Holly, and Sophia John; great-grandchildren, Ellie Mae Cannady, Anders McIntosh, and Mila McIntosh; neighbors/friends, Harry and Katie Cannady; former son-in-law, Michael Cannady; former daughters-in-law, Deborah Cannady and Akemi Williams; childhood friends, Frances and Laverne Gaskin; and many neighbors and friends.

Robert was preceded in death by his former wife, Edith E. Williams; fiancé, Beatrice Redwine; sister, Mary Wilkie; and brothers, Tony Williams and Jerry Williams.

A funeral service will be held at Quinn McGowen Funeral Home in Wilmington on Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 1pm with Pastor Merrell McKoy officiating. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Wilmington.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that charitable contributions in honor of Robert be made to The Dementia Society of America at dementiasociety.org.