Bobby Lee Williams, 78, of Etowah, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at his residence. A native of McMinn County, and a lifelong resident of Etowah, he was retired as a machinist from the former Bowater Southern Paper Corporation, serving as union president for many of his years of employment. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Etowah and served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve for 36 years as chief master sergeant, doing a tour of duty in the Vietnam War with honors. A son of the late Homer and Amanda Gilliam Williams, he was preceded in death by one brother, Billy Williams. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Adrienne Bateson Williams of Etowah; four sons and two daughters-in-law, Michael and Candy Williams, Steve Williams, Patrick Williams and Andrew and Darlene Williams; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Eddy and Betty Williams and Buddy and Judy Williams; one sister, Jean Hamilton; four grandchildren, Jeremy Williams, Jade Williams, Brent Williams and Madison Williams; and two great-grandchildren, Kari Williams and Rylan Killebrew. A special thanks to Tom Roden, a good friend, and to Hospice for their spiritual kindness to the family. A memorial service will be 7 p.m. Monday at First Baptist Church of Etowah with the Rev. Jack Bryan officiating.The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Bordwine Funeral Home of Etowah is in charge of arrangements.