Dr. Robert “Bobby” Henry Williams, a highly respected Washington, D.C. physician,
passed away on October 8, 2025, after an extended illness. Consistently recognized as
one of the “Best in Medicine,” by Washingtonian Magazine, throughout his career Dr.
Williams received numerous awards and recognitions, including the American Medical
Association’s Physician Recognition Award.
 

As a senior practicing physician and faculty member in Howard University’s Department
of Community and Family Medicine, Dr. Williams trained generations of physicians with
exceptional skill and compassion. After graduating from Howard Medical School, Dr.
Williams served his country with a tour in the United States Armed Forces. After
returning to Washington, he was the first Family Medicine Resident at Howard
University. Together with a beloved mentor, he pioneered the university’s first physician
assistant program. Early in his career, he was proud of standing up a community health
center, dedicated to serving the community in which he was raised.
 

At Howard, he went on to serve as the director of the family practice program, and co-
chair the Spirituality and Medicine seminars, which united medical professionals and
clergy in holistic care. He was President of the Howard University Hospital Medical Staff
from 2004 through 2006.

A Robert Wood Johnson Foundation–funded lecturer, he developed pioneering
education on caring for African American patients at the end of life. Colleagues and
students revered him as a true “doctor’s doctor.” Deeply committed to equity in care, Dr.
Williams served the poor and underserved with the same dedication he gave to civic
leaders, educators, political leaders, business figures, and university presidents.
 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ola and Howard Parks, his biological father,
Robert Henry Williams, Sr. He is survived by his beloved wife of decades, Judy Rogers
Williams, daughter, Tatia Lynne Williams of New York and Washington, D.C.; his
cherished grandson, Decker Robert Julian Williams -- the joy of his later years;
brothers-in-law Julian H. Rogers and James Beverage; Cousins Mansel and Denise
Long, as well as many cousins, godchildren, extended family and steadfast friends
whom we considered as family.