Robert Louis Williams, 59, better known as “Bob Z,” was born on December 16, 1962. He was raised in a loving home by his mother, Carol and father, Robert Lee Williams in Norfolk, Virginia. On Tuesday, February 15, 2022, he unexpectedly left this earthly tabernacle and entered eternal rest.
Robert was educated in the Norfolk Public School system. Upon graduation from Granby High School in 198l, he completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Norfolk State University where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Mass Communications, News, and Public Affairs and a Master of Arts Degree in Mass Communications and Management. Robert also had a Master of Public Administration and Criminal Justice/ Law Enforcement from Troy State University.
With an extensive background in education, Robert has had a lifelong career in education in various degrees. He has worked as an Education and Training Specialist for Ford Motor Company, Admissions Counselor at Norfolk State University, Manufacturing, Engineering & Technology Career Coach, and Adjunct Professor at Tidewater Community College. He volunteered and hosted several projects to enhance the lives of the students at Norfolk Public Schools.
Robert Williams, #5 EZ SPR ‘84, was a very proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated who showered love, wisdom and guidance upon Nupes for over 30 years. He was a dedicated resident of the city of Norfolk and served in various capacities to improve the quality of life for its citizens. Robert’s love for his community extended throughout the Hampton Roads area. He served on the Board of Directors for the H.E.R shelter in Portsmouth, worked on the Mayor’s Task Force against Gang Activity in Chesapeake, and serve as the Community Services Director for United Auto Workers.
Robert was a man of faith who believed in second chances and had the opportunity to provide that to many as a Second Chances Employment Specialist with Garden of Hope Community Development Corporation. This position led him to become a member of Gethsemane Community Fellowship. In 2019, he founded the Coastal Virginia Community Development Corporation to enhance the quality of life for the citizens of the Greater Coastal Virginia Metropolitan Area. In 2021, he launched Bob Z UNKUT Community Views, a Podcast “for the people” with unfiltered content that addressed socioeconomic, social justice, and trending issues.
Of his many accomplishments, Robert was most proud of his role as a father and a grandfather. He was predeceased by his father, Robert Lee Williams; brother Daryl Williams and sister Yolanda Harris-Little. Left to mourn his memory are his mother, Carol Sydnor; former spouse, Dawn Michelle Williams; siblings Adriane Bell, Vondra Harris and Lakeesha Harris; children Brandon Moore, Riah Williams, and Robert Williams, III; grandchildren Zsa Cherie Glenn, Brandon Moore Jr, and Kayden Williams; aunts, uncles and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
