John Robert (Bob) Williams (84) passed away at St Vincent Hospital on December 13, 2024.

Bob was born on July 15, 1940, to Gip and Hannah Williams in the rural area of Clay and graduated from Clay High School in 1958, the Henderson Barber College in 1964 and completed multiple Insurance courses through Eastern Kentucky University.   He was an astute businessman and entrepreneur always working multiple jobs including with the Railroad, farming, seed salesman, and at Clay Auto in his younger years.   After working on the Railroad in Indiana and Illinois for several years, he and wife Sharon (Overfield) he returned to Clay with daughter Rene.  In 1963, he began Barber College in Henderson attending classes during the day and working at Central Auto Gas Station in the evenings. Upon graduation, he opened a barber shop at 303 Main Street, Clay, Ky in 1964.   In 1965 he became an agent for State Farm Insurance Company running the Barber Shop in the front of the building and the Insurance Agency in the back.  This continued until he closed the barber shop in 1978.  In addition to being an Insurance Agent, he also obtained his Real Estate License and Appraisers License and continued a small farming operation in the outskirts of Clay.  In 1993, he opened First Choice Finance Company with offices in Morganfield, Marion, and Providence and this business remains a staple in Providence. He and son Rodney also owned W & W Appraisals in Bowling Green.

He retired from State Farm in 2016 after 51 years.  Although he was considered a "parttime" agent because he did not have a college degree, he was a member of the Millionaires Club several times and received many awards from State Farm.  Throughout the years, State Farm wanted him to move the Agency to Providence or Dixon, but he refused wanting to keep the business in his hometown of Clay. Following his retirement from State Farm, he opened Webster County Insurance Company, a group of independent insurance companies, at the same location, 303 Main Street, Clay, where it remains today.  Bob ran several successful businesses from this location serving Clay and Webster County since 1963.

Bob was a 50+ year member of the Clay Masonic Lodge and has been a major figure in the Clay Business Community.  In the 1970's, he and other business figures developed the "Sharon Acres" subdivision in Clay and he also owned several rental properties in Clay.  At 84 years old, he still went to the office everyday both in Clay and Providence.

Bob was a member of First Baptist Church in Clay and also attended the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Wheatcroft.

Bob was predeceased by his wife and mother of his children, Sharon (Overfield) and wife Lorie Youngs.  Also, his parents Gip and Hannah Williams, brother James Doris Heady, sisters Faye, Mary Casey, Pat, and grandson, Ryan Boles.

Bob was very proud of his family - He is survived by daughter Rene' Williams (Brent Green) of Dixon and son Rodney Williams (Tracy) of Bowling Green. Four grandchildren; Ellie Stewart (Brent), Natalie Green (Brant), Johnathan Williams (Alyssa), Kendra Stooksbury (Collins).

Seven great-grandchildren: Claire, Max, and Luke Stewart; Blaine, Beckham, and Liston Green and Hallie Williams.

He is also survived by sister, Ann (Jim) Cowan and brother Dale (Jennifer) Williams all of Clay and numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 12:00 PM at First Baptist Church in Clay with Brother Mack Gibson, Brother Dale Williams and Brother Corey Rash officiating.  Burial will be in New Clay Cemetery in Clay.  Visitation will be Monday, December 16, 2024 4:00 PM till 8:00 PM at Vanover Funeral Home in Clay.  Masonic services will be at 6:00 PM at the funeral home.  Visitation will be Tuesday morning 9:00 AM till service time at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Webster County Happy Feet, P. O. Box 296 Clay, Ky 42404, First Baptist Church, P O Box 485, Clay, KY 42404 or Wheatcroft Cumberland Presbyterian Church, P O Box 7, Wheatcroft, KY 42463