Dr. Robert Virgil Williams

Robert V. Williams was born October 10, 1938 in a rural crossroads of north Florida, the youngest of four. He was the first in his family to earn his doctorate, an accomplishment so noteworthy in his small town his photo appeared in the local newspaper when he became a professor at the University of South Carolina. His mother, brothers and sister called him R.V., but he was Bob to the rest of us, beloved by almost three generations of USC students, many of whom are now librarians, archivists and researchers working in schools, universities and businesses around the world. Bob always made time for his students to drop by his office to hash out issues. He helped create an undergraduate program in information science and continued to teach graduate classes after his retirement in 2004. The Special Libraries Association recognized him in 2003 for mentoring and teaching. He received the prestigious Watson Davis Award in 2011 from the American Society for Information Science and Technology. He funded a student research award at USC’s School of Library and Information Science that continues to honor students who have made exemplary contributions to scholarly research. Bob published his own research, including books and articles on government information, archives, and business information, with a particular focus on the historical aspects of information science and special libraries. Well after retirement, he continued to conduct oral history interviews with influential South Carolina librarians and pioneers in information science. Equally important to his professional life was his life at Shandon Presbyterian Church where he was an elder, serving on Session many times, chairing the Outreach Ministry. He helped the church make an impact on social justice. He regularly corralled church members to write letters to congressmen in support of Bread for the World, served as chair of the local CROP WALK to raise money for the hungry, and made sure each year Shandon had as big of a presence at the event as possible. While on Session he never let up trying to raise the amount of the budget that went to outreach. As an adult Sunday school teacher his unique skill was his ability to lead a thoughtful discussion while navigating diverse theological viewpoints. Though a quiet person, he delighted in greeting everyone at Shandon with a genuineness that was endearingly reciprocated. Whether walking 10 miles to raise money for hunger relief, working outdoors in his large vegetable garden, hunting or fishing, his energy often seemed boundless and his kindness to others was ever present. Those left to honor and remember his love include his wife, Joanne; his daughters and sons-in-law, Allison (Jason Spangler), Kristina Mueller (Chris); grandchildren Sophia, Carson and Patrick; brothers, Herman and Leslie; sister, Doris (Martin); and many nieces and nephews. Bob passed away January 14, 2017. His memorial service will be at 10:30 o’clock Wednesday, January 18th at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow Street, Columbia, with a reception following. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

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Dr. Robert Virgil Williams

October 10, 1938 - January 14, 2017