Bobby Ree Williams

Bobby Ree Williams was born April 10, 1944, in Starkville, Mississippi, to the late Booker Thomas Williams and Nellie Williams. He confessed Christ as the head of his life at an early age and immediately began his tenure as a Josey Creek MB Church member, where he faithfully served as a deacon and trustee until his health failed. Bobby met the love of his life Helen Slaughter at a basketball game in Starkville, and after a courtship, the two were united in matrimony. From this union, three children were born--Dawn, Bobby Ray, and Candace. On July 21, 2023, after multiple illnesses, including dementia, God saw fit to call our loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Brother Bobby, from his earthly home to his heavenly home. Bobby graduated from Oktibbeha County Training School in 1963, where he enjoyed playing football and running track. He graduated from Mississippi Institute (Rust College), where he received his bachelor’s degree in education. He began his teaching career at Maben High School and spent most of his professional career as an elementary teacher with the Starkville Public School System. The 40-plus years he served in education speak to how dedicated he was to the profession and how passionately he wanted to make a difference in the lives of his students. Never one to sit still for more than ten minutes, for many years, Bobby also worked with Starkville Parks and Recreation as an umpire, worked the S.A.Y. basketball games, and drove a bus route for the Starkville School District. Let the record reflect that if his own children were not at the bus stop at the appropriate pick-up time, it fell on Helen to ensure Bobby picked them up in Yates Subdivision. Bobby Ree played zero, zilch, in other words, no games regarding keeping his bus on schedule! Bobby enjoyed coaching and playing for Josey Creek's softball teams, playing golf, watching football, sitting outside, talking to friends and family, and making people laugh. He loved his village, and his village loved him. Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Booker T. Williams and Nellie (Cummings) Williams; his loving wife, Helen S. Williams; one brother, Teasley Williams; and two sisters, Yvonne Williams and Deloise Burdine.

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Bobby Ree Williams

April 10, 1944 - July 21, 2023