Robert Wesley Williams Jr.

Robert Wesley Williams, Jr., age 94, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025, in Fresno, California. Known affectionately as Bob, he was born in Fresno on June 2, 1930, to Robert Wesley Williams, Sr. and Maria Theresa Gad.

Bob spent his early years in the heart of Fresno, where he developed a lifelong love of community, faith, and family. As a child, he enjoyed riding his bike through the neighborhood, attending church with his family, and spending time with his sisters, Dorothy and Barbara. He was a proud graduate of Fresno High School and later attended California State University, Fresno, where he earned a degree in Accounting.

It was at Fresno State that Bob met the love of his life, Rowena Adele Campbell. The two quickly fell in love and became engaged, planning their August 1953 wedding while Bob completed basic training in the U.S. Air Force. Despite the distance, they wrote to each other daily, their letters filled with dreams for the future. After marrying, Bob and Rowena moved to San Antonio, Texas, where Bob served as a Lieutenant in the Air Force, fulfilling his ROTC commitment.

Upon completing his service, the couple returned to California and began building a life together. Bob joined the accounting firm Baker, Peterson & Franklin, where he built a distinguished career, retiring nearly 50 years later as a senior partner. His professional legacy was marked by integrity, diligence, and mentorship.

In retirement, Bob dedicated his time and talents to serving his community. He remained active in local non-profits, participated in Bible studies, and provided accounting support to the One Fresno Foundation. He was also a long-standing member of Kiwanis and the Fresno Rotary Club, where he served for an impressive 46 years.

Bob and Rowena loved to travel and made frequent trips to visit their children and grandchildren. Family was at the heart of Bob’s life. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. Known for his warm personality and sharp wit, Bob could often be found telling stories and jokes—his way of making everyone feel like an old friend.

In 2024, facing Rowena’s declining health, Bob made the difficult decision to sell their family home of 58 years and move into The Terraces at San Joaquin Gardens. There, he lived independently just steps from Rowena in the Skilled Nursing Facility. True to form, Bob quickly settled in and made new friends, bringing joy and camaraderie to those around him.

Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife Rowena, his parents, and his sisters Dorothy and Barbara.

He is survived by his three children: Randall Williams and his wife Cheryl Gomes; Roberta Zanutto and her husband Dan; and Roxanne Burke and her husband Michael.

Bob was a proud grandfather to:

– Ryan Williams and his children, Harper and Carys

– Rhett Williams

– Derek Zanutto and his children, William, Charlotte, and James

– Christa Zanutto and her children, Caleb and David

– Cypress and Annelise Green

– Tatum Burke

Bob will be remembered for his deep faith, unwavering devotion to family, generous spirit, and ability to make everyone feel like they belonged. His was a life well-lived, full of love, laughter, and purpose.