SAINT CLOUD, Fla. — Robert C. (“Bob”) Williams, husband of over 55 years, father of five, entrepreneur and civic leader, died peacefully in his sleep on April 13, 2011 at his home in Saint Cloud, Fla., with his wife and family members by his side. He was 82.

Born March 22, 1929 in Man, Logan County, W.Va., the family moved to Northfork in McDowell County, W.Va. in 1933 when his father, William Clovis Williams, founded the family business, Tri-District Cleaners, Inc., an operation that would remain in business for over 70 years. After graduating from Greenbrier Military School in Lewisburg, W.Va. in 1946, he went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce from Bowling Green Business University in 1950.

After college, he joined the United States Army where he served as a sergeant in the 33rd Army Medical Depot in Europe. When his service was completed, he returned to Northfork where he joined his father in the family business, a dry-cleaning company. In 1955, he married Sue Carolyn Reed.

In 1968 he took over the business when his father retired and operated the plant until his retirement in 1992. He was a member of Northfork Baptist Church where he sometimes taught Sunday school. He was elected to the Northfork town council and was a member of the Northfork Business Association. He succeeded his father as secretary-treasurer of the Northfork Community Volunteer Department, Inc., where he served from 1964 until 1992. He authored and passed ordinances that helped the NCVFD better serve the town and the entire eastern end of the county. He was past president of the Northfork Kiwanis Club and served on the advisory board for the Salvation Army.

In 1971, legendary Northfork High School basketball coach Jennings Boyd named Williams “Booster of the Year.” It was that year when the school won its first state championship. He served as secretary-treasurer of the club from the late 60’s until the school closed in the mid 80’s. During this period the school won ten championships in 13 years including eight consecutive titles which was a national record at the time. His service included raising funds, filming football games, popping corn for the concession stands, assisting with the basketball team’s statistical charts, hauling players and equipment or whatever was needed.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Louise Erickson Williams; and one brother, Warren C. Williams. He is survived by his wife, Sue C. Williams; three sons and two daughters including David L. Williams and wife Mary Ann of Charleston, W.Va., Christine M. Williams and husband, Mark Aboulhosn of Lake Mary, Fla., William E. (“Bill”) Williams and companion Val Everson of Memphis, Tenn., John R. Williams and wife Cathy of Saint Cloud, Fla., and Linda S. Reid and husband, Mikell of Altamonte Springs, Fla.; and eight grandchildren.

Services will be conducted Sunday, April 17, at 2:15 p.m. at Grissom Funeral Home and Crematory in Kissimmee, Fla., with Jim Callen officiating.