Robert J. (R.J.) Williams of Apalachin, NY Robert J. (R.J.) Williams, age 87, has gone to the "Happy Hunting Ground" on Tuesday, October 27, 2009, at home surrounded by his family. Born in Ithaca, NY on January 16, 1922, R.J. was raised by his paternal grandmother, Frances Otiz; and step-grandfather, Ross Otiz. He was predeceased by his wife, Clema Williams; brother, George Williams; sister, Ida Roberts; half-brother, Paul Williams; and granddaughter, Michelle Wolff. R.J. is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda and Richard Peters, Fletcher, NC; son, Jack and daughter-in-law, "little buddy" Deb Williams, Vestal, NY; and son, Tim and daughter-in-law, Cindy Williams. R.J. is also survived by eight wonderful grandchildren who will miss him dearly, Randy (Kim) Williams, Hickory, NC, Tracie Williams, Lakeland, FL, Michael (Tracy) Wolff, Apalachin, NY, Tara (Howdy) Jones, Lakeland, FL, Shelley (Greg) Cooke, West Sand Lake, NY, Matthew Wolff, Endicott, NY, Rondi Wolff, Boise, ID, Kelly Williams, Vancouver, BC Canada, and Lindsay Williams, Plattsburgh, NY. R.J. will be missed by his 13 wonderful great-grandchildren that he so enjoyed, Audra, Austin, Ellie, Emily, Gavin, Howard III, Jacob, Lynne, Marlee, Michael, Raquel, Sierra and Taylor. In addition, R.J.. is survived by a sister-in-law, Norma Williams, Newfield, NY; and many nieces and nephews, including a special niece, Jane Williams, San Diego, CA. R.J. has many wonderful friends, including but not limited to, Ed Coleman, Larry Walter, Paul Fairlie and the Jim Gresham family. He will definitely be missed by all who knew him whether it be golfing, snowmobiling, four wheeling, pitch games, wood cutting detail, and hunting and fishing at Lake Clema and the Waterfall Lodge. He loved his lodge, family and friends, and wanted everyone to enjoy it with him. R.J. loved the NY Giants and was an especially avid baseball fan. He rarely missed a Yankees game. R.J. also loved to drive his "rig" and go on "safaris". He was always trying to get someone to go somewhere on an adventure. Through the years he has taken his family, friends and the occasional stranger on many a safari near and far. He is on another safari now, one which we can't go on, but we will meet up with him later, to continue with him, his many adventures. R.J. began his working career at the early age of 7 years old traveling with the Allen Bros. Wild West Show as a trick rider. From farming to selling cars and his own coal business, he eventually found the hardwood lumber industry as his passion. In 1971, along with son, Jack, they started R.J. Williams Lumber. Through the years and until his retirement in 1995, many friends and relationships were formed. Those that knew him will cherish the many fond memories. R.J. was also the second president of the Apalachin Lions Club in 1959. He received his 60-year membership award as a Master Mason as a member of the Le Ray Lodge #471 in Le Raysville, PA. The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to his good friend, his good neighbor and his good doctor, Dr. Domingo Jimenez who helped fulfill R.J.'s wish to be at home with family and friends during his illness. Also, we would like to give special thanks to all the Caregiver nurses and aids who took time to get to know R.J. and help care for him. Funeral Services will be held Friday 11 a.m. from the Allen Memorial Home, 511-513 East Main St., Endicott. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Apalachin. The family will receive friends at the Allen Memorial Home Thursday from 2 to 4 and evening 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Apalachin Emergency Squad, Apalachin, NY 13732.