Robert Dale ‘Chum’ Williams

Robert was born in Elkins on March 26, 1974, to the late John Dale Williams and the late Virginia Mae Wires Williams.

On July 17, 1999, he married Tammy Stalnaker (Jordan) Williams, who survives in Elkins.

He is also survived by his daughter, Cassie Ann Williams, who was the light of his life; two stepchildren whom he raised and loved as his own, Trista (Jordan) Allen and husband, Lamar, of Fairmont, and Bryan “BJ” Jordan and wife, Melonee, of Germany; two brothers, Mike Larch of Ohio and Dale Williams and wife, Melinda, of Ellamore; two brothers-in-law, Joe Stalnaker and wife, Julia, of Evans, and Dan Stalnaker and wife, Debbie, of Beverly; three other sisters-in-law, Faith and Nikki Stalnaker of South Carolina and Delphia Larch of Poca; mothers-in-law, Pastor Ann Fretwell of Elkins and Karen “Susie” Stalnaker of South Carolina; two grandsons, Elijah Viola of Elkins and Malachi Allen of Fairmont; several aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins and many good friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his stepson, Trenten Jordan; brother, Donald Larch; sister, Tammy Miller; sister-in-law, Pam Larch; fathers-in-law, David Stalnaker and Richard Fretwell; and close friend, Mike Poling.

Robert graduated with the last class of Coalton High School in 1993. He completed an electrical apprenticeship at Randolph County Vo-Tech Center and became a journeyman electrician. After a brief stint in the oil field, he went to work for Tri-County Electric Company in October 1993. He worked there until he became ill in August 2021. He was a member of the United Steelworkers Union Local 14614.

Robert earned the nickname “Chum” by genuinely befriending everyone he met. He was always there to help with anything. He wired houses, fixed cars, climbed on roofs, fixed stovepipes, spread gravel, poured concrete … just ask and he was there. He helped remodel and build numerous homes for his family and friends. True to his helpful nature, he was a former member of the Ellamore Volunteer Fire Department.

When not helping others, he would rarely be seen sitting down; he worked at his home, in his yard and garden, and always had a project going in his garage. If something needed done, that’s where he could be found.

He was in his element outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman, he was a regular at hunting camp each year. He hunted many types of game, from geese to bear, but deer hunting was his favorite. He took annual fishing trips for salmon and walleye, with his favorite spot being Lake Erie. He was a member of the National Rifle Association and the National Wild Turkey Federation.

He enjoyed camping and boating on the lake with his family, always the one to pull the camper, set up camp, drive the boat and make sure everyone was safe and having fun. He always maintained the campfire but loved sitting around it with those he loved. He also enjoyed riding UTVs, especially with his daughter, Cassie, spending entire days on rides throughout the backroads, woods and tunnels around his home.

He often said he was born in the wrong century, that he was meant to live in a cabin in the woods, with no electricity or running water, and hunt for and grow all he needed, living off the land without modern conveniences. He was a simple man with “common sense” as he called it. He was the rock of his family who depended on him for many things. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Friends may call from noon until 3 p.m., Friday, June 2, 2023, at the Tomblyn Funeral Home in Elkins. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, from the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Ann Fretwell officiating.

Cremation will follow.

The Tomblyn Funeral Home of Elkins is in charge of the arrangements for Robert Dale “Chum” Williams.

Condolences many be expressed to the family at www.tomblynfuneralhome.com.