Robert “Bob” Munsel Williams, age 77, of Gregory, Michigan, passed away peacefully surrounded by family and friends on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Bob was born on August 29, 1947, in Monroe, Michigan, to John Sharp Williams and Mary Jane Sagan Williams.
When Bob was a toddler, his family relocated to Natchez, Mississippi, and he fondly recalled his early childhood of swimming in the Mississippi River, mudding for catfish, and frog gigging. At age 11, Bob took the initiative to find a job, and throughout elementary and high school he worked a paper route, which enabled him to purchase a motorbike and later a car—all before reaching Mississippi’s legal driving age of 15. Bob’s achievements in newspaper sales earned him a trip to Spain and Portugal as a 15-year-old. He spent summers working with his father, a brick mason.
In high school, Bob played football, basketball, and ran track, also participating in the Connie Mack summer baseball team. His family moved back to Monroe, Michigan, before Bob’s senior year. There he attended and graduated Monroe Catholic Central High School, gaining admission to Northern Michigan University in Marquette, Michigan. Bob worked for Chrysler at its Trenton Engine Plant, where he advanced to the role of the plant’s quality control manager. He retired after 35 years at age 55.
Bob married Judy (Donohue) Sweet in Stockbridge, Michigan, on April 13, 1991. The Williams couple built a home on their 232-acre farm in Unadilla Township, and Bob resided there for more than 34 years, until his death.
Bob had a ready smile and a loving heart. He was a positive and optimistic person who enjoyed life and spending time with loved ones and friends. Bob enjoyed and was skilled at playing card and board games, golfing, fishing, and hunting. He also enjoyed traveling.
He is survived by his wife, Judy; his three children, Shon (Sarah) Williams, Scott (Laurie) Williams, and Robin Erin Williams; and his siblings, sister Skip (Mark) Jostes and brother James “Sonny” (Anne) Williams. Also surviving are three stepchildren for whom Bob cared deeply: John (Rachel) Sweet, Patrick (Teri) Sweet, and Michael (Jessica) Sweet; ten grandchildren: Alicia (Jake) Boss, Kayla (Joshua) Fox, Mackenzie Williams (Brendan Bruening), Shelby (Nicole) Williams, Sharp (Chelsea) Williams, Tyler (Tiernan) Williams, Ethan Sweet, Gavin Sweet, Jake Sweet, and Gregory Sweet. He was pleased to have ten great-grandchildren and one on the way, plus several nieces and nephews, and his furry canine friend, Brody. Bob was preceded in death by his father, John Sharp Williams, and stepmother, Mary Jane Williams.
The family expresses appreciation to the Unadilla Township Fire and Police Departments for their prompt, professional, and caring response. In addition, they are grateful to the Livingston County EMS for its 911 Emergency Medical Services, and to the Livingston County 911 dispatch operator who responded to Judy’s phone call with kindness and skill.
The family will receive friends for visitation and funeral services on Thursday July 17, 2025. Visitation is 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. followed by Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church, located at 10601 Dexter-Pinckney Road in Pinckney.
Memorial cards and contributions may be made to the Stockbridge Community News or the Stockbridge Area Educational Foundation for the John Donohue Citizenship Award.
Arrangements by Caskey-Mitchell Funeral Home, Stockbridge.
