News Summary
Bobby Gene Williams, an esteemed educator and community leader from Bowling Green, has passed away at the age of 86. With a legacy spanning 48 years in education and contributions to local sports, his impact will be felt in the Hardin County community. Details regarding his funeral services have been shared, along with a request for memorial contributions to honor his service.
Bowling Green, KY – Bobby Gene Williams, a respected educator and community leader, passed away at the age of 86 on Thursday, June 5, 2025, at his home in Bowling Green. His death marks the end of a life dedicated to serving his family, students, and community in Hardin County.
Born in Sonora, Kentucky, to Hezzie Sr. and Nova Williams, Bobby was a well-known figure in the White Mills area. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Ann Parrett Williams, who he was married to for 53 years until her death in 2014. Bobby was also preceded in death by his son, David Richard Williams, and siblings, including two brothers and two sisters. He is survived by his daughter, Tracy (Joe) Imel of Bowling Green, and his son, Mark Williams, residing in West Hollywood, California. His family also includes a grandson, Zachary (Gabriella) Imel of Washington, D.C.
Funeral services for Bobby Williams will take place on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Manakee Funeral Home in Elizabethtown, KY, with Rev. Jimmy Fulkerson officiating. Burial will follow at White Mills Community Cemetery. Visitation hours for friends and family are scheduled for Monday, June 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Tuesday, June 17, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The Williams family has requested that memorial contributions be made to WJCR Christian Radio in Bobby’s name, honoring his legacy of service and community spirit.
Bobby Williams’ contributions to education and sports within Hardin County are notable. He graduated from Lynnvale High School in 1956 and earned a double major in biology and agriculture from Western Kentucky State College in 1961. He completed his master’s degree in 1968 and achieved Rank 1 in 1971, both from the same institution. Williams devoted 31 years to teaching in the Hardin County School District, primarily at West Hardin High School, where he was one of the inaugural teachers upon its opening in 1961 until its closure in 1990. After retiring from full-time teaching, he continued to influence students’ lives as a substitute teacher for an additional 17 years, totaling 48 years in the school district.
Throughout his teaching career, Bobby coached various sports, dedicating 18 years as the cross-country coach and successfully leading teams to state championships in 1973 and 1974. He also coached boys’ freshman and junior varsity basketball teams, baseball, and track. His passion for athletics led him to serve as the athletic director at West Hardin for ten years and work as a referee for KHSAA’s 5th region for 22 years. For his outstanding contributions, Williams was inducted into both the 5th Region KHSAA’s Athletic Directors Hall of Fame in 2001 and the 5th Region Basketball Referee Hall of Fame in 2005. Most recently, he was part of the inaugural class of the West Hardin High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024.
In addition to his educational pursuits, Bobby Williams served as Hardin County District 3 Magistrate for 13 years, participating in several committees, including the Hardin Memorial Hospital board. He was known for his love of spending time with family, engaging in discussions on sports and politics, and his ability to connect with people in a meaningful way.
Williams’ passing leaves a significant void in the Bowling Green community, where his influence will be felt for years to come. His legacy as an educator, coach, and public servant will be remembered by those whose lives he touched.
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Additional Resources
- Bowling Green Daily News: Bobby Williams Obituary
- Hardy and Son Funeral Homes: Bobby Williams
- Legacy.com: James Williams Obituary
- Legacy.com: Bob Williams Obituary
- Pahrump Valley Times: PVHS Local Students Shine
- Wikipedia: Education in the United States
- Google Search: Hardin County Kentucky
- Google Scholar: Education Impact
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Public Service
- Google News: Bobby Williams Bowling Green
Author: STAFF HERE BOWLING GREEN WRITER
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