Bobby Jackson Williams, Sr.

On December 27, 2025, Mr. Bobby J. (“BJ”) Williams, Sr., surrounded by his loved ones, departed this life and peacefully slipped into the arms of God. He was born in Lynchburg, VA. on July 25, 1942, and was preceded in death by his parents Cora Hudson and Peyton Williams, his beloved little sister, Joanne Williams, his loving Mother-in-Law, Dorothy Stanley, two aunts, Stella H. Jeffries and Mary Smith, his sister-in-law, Consuella O. Barbour and his favorite dog, Kobe.

He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 43 years, Virginia Williams. From his first union to the late Vivian Williams, he is survived by his children Joanne Williams and Bobby Williams Jr. of Montgomery, Al., and Vincent Williams and daughter-in-law Karen of Nashua, NH. He is survived by his daughter Dorothy Thomas and son-in-law Al of Forest, VA., from his marriage to his wife, Virginia. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley Foy, Malcolm Thomas, Meghan Thomas and Viankah Williams, as well as 4 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his cousin, Thomas “Chop” Hudson (Alice) with whom he was raised as a brother, and Malisa Barbour and Naquetta Wright, whom he loved like his own daughters.

Bobby proudly served many roles throughout his life. He started his professional career as an Airman in the United States Air Force and had fond memories of his enlistment. After serving in the United States Air Force, he embarked on a new adventure in Boston, Massachusetts, where he pursued professional wrestling. He loved to tell stories of the many celebrities he met during that time, including his favorite boxer, Muhammad Ali. Following his wrestling career, he returned home to Lynchburg, VA., ready to serve his community; first for a brief period at the Lynchburg Foundry and then as a member of the Lynchburg Police Department. He achieved the rank of Commander I and retired from the LPD after 25 years of honorable service. After retirement, he worked for Parker Hannifin for several years before truly retiring from the workforce. He was a skilled carpenter, as well as an amateur pilot. He was a trustee with Mt. Carmel Baptist church until his health declined. He was also the comedian of the family and even through his illness, you could always count on a good laugh. Of his many roles in life, his favorite role was being Grandpa. He loved all of his grandchildren dearly, and they were his greatest joy.

Although we cannot possibly name everyone, we would like to acknowledge some devoted family members and friends who were always there whenever needed, throughout his lengthy illness. Among the devoted are his brother-in-law, Vincent Barbour, Robert Barbour, Sr., the late Aubrey Barbour, Sr., Elizabeth Barbour and his dear friends Gerald Cheatham, T.R. Langhorne, Gary Kittrell, Delma Burford, Roslyn Ward, Debbie Jennings, and Adrian Mood, as well as his in-laws, Sylvester and Eloise Colmore.

We would like to express our sincere thanks and gratitude to the staff of the Private First-Class Desmond T. Doss VA Clinic and the Salem VA Clinic. Bobby received excellent care through the years through the VA, and he loved the staff there. We also wish to express our thanks to the staff of the Lynchburg UVA Dialysis Center, who provided amazing care and were like family. Thank you to The Key Home Healthcare and his wonderful companion Aide, Kendra Ashley. Finally, to the staff of Heartland Hospice, we sincerely thank you for the compassionate care given to our family during these final weeks.

2 Corinthians 5:8 tells us that “To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord”. Although Bobby is no longer with us, we take comfort in knowing that he is now with his Lord and Savior and we will all be together again one day.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 5, 2026, at 11 A.M. at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 800 Cabell St, Lynchburg, Virginia, with interment to immediately follow at Virginia Memorial Park, 11490 Forest Road, Forest, Virginia.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.