Robert “Ted” Williams

KNOXVILLE - Robert Theodore Williams (“Ted”), age 94, of Alcoa, Tennessee. Devoted son and beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather, passed away May 4, 2024, peacefully in his home surrounded by family and friends. Born in Chattanooga, Ted was a graduate of Knoxville High School (‘48) and UTK (‘55) and Vol for Life – designing many of the UT logos (Lady Vols, the Rifleman, the University logo, UT LIFESTAR, Vols with a star) in his 34-year career as a Graphic Designer in Public Relations at UT. He served with the Marine Corps Fifth Regiment during the Korean war. He cherished UT Athletics and never missed a football or basketball game. Ted spent more than 2 decades coaching youth league sports. In his retirement he spent his time golfing, gardening, traveling, painting and was in the process of writing his first book, “House in the Bend of the Road.” Preceded by parents Reuben and Evelyn Williams; wife, Lynda Patterson Williams; brother and fellow Marine, Wayne Williams. Survived by his children: Tracy Garron (Paul), Rob Williams (Lori), Kathy Webb (Greg), and Russell Williams (Erinn) and sister-in-law Sue Williams; grandchildren: Chris Williams (Lydia), Camden Williams (Genelle), Connor Snow (Sable), Zack Garron (Megan), Matt Garron (Hannah), Alex Hamlin USMC (Michaela), Zach Hamlin USMC and great grandchildren Levi Garron, Wilder Snow, Jackson Hamlin; nieces, Janice Westbrook, Karen Gilley, and nephew, Michael Williams. He was loved by so many with special thanks to his golf buddies Rick and Nancy Ayres, Judy Goddard, Kathy Begoon and was proud to share he had played 307 golf courses. Ted was grateful for his UT family including Bud Ford, Beth Ellis and Susan Barnes. He had so many great memories with his travel friends Vaughn Belcher, RJ Hodge and Ron Whaley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105 in Ted’s memory. Thank you to Angel at UT Hospice. The family will receive friends Thursday, May 9, 2024 between the hours of 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm in the parlors of Berry Funeral Home, 3704 Chapman Hwy, Knoxville. Family and friends will meet Friday, May 10, 2024, for a brief service to begin promptly at 8:30 am, East TN State Veterans Cemetery on John Sevier Highway, with full military honors provided by East Tennessee Volunteer Honor Guard. Family and friends are invited to share fond memories and sign Ted’s online guestbook at www.berryfuneralhome.com