This article captures the spirit of Mr. Williams and provides an interesting historical basis for two of our long-standing organizations. I think most people of my generation will find it informative and educational.”

Cal Spencer, Past President, Lunenburg Health Service, Inc.

Robert Miles Williams accomplished many seemingly impossible tasks in his life, but none more lasting than his gift to the county of the Lunenburg Health Service, Inc. and the Victoria-Lunenburg Community Centre. On the eve of his birthday, these organizations pay tribute to their benefactor and, in doing so, ask the citizens of Lunenburg County to join with them in their efforts to ensure that the health service and the community centre thrive and continue to serve the people of our county for generations to come. 

Robert Miles Williams was born November 2, 1894, at Kunath, near the village of Rehoboth. He was the fifth of five children. His paternal grandfather, Robert Miles Williams, for whom he was named, was the first Superintendent of Schools of Lunenburg County. 

Young Robert attended private school at home under a tutor and the public school at Rehoboth. Just before his ninth birthday, his mother died, and at the age of 14, he and his older brother, Hodges, joined with their father, Walter Williams, in founding the Victoria Feed Company, which later became Victoria Supply Co., Inc.

Robert joined the Victoria Baptist Church in 1909, the year after its organization, and was an eager and active participant in church affairs. He served in World War I, receiving a severe wound resulting in hospitalization in France for several months. On August 20, 1919, he married Blanche Robinson, daughter of The Reverend and Mrs. Samuel S. Robinson. Mr. Robinson was pastor of the Victoria Baptist Church from 1913 – 1918. Robert and Blanche had one son, Robert Wyche Williams, who served as Victoria’s town manager for 20 years.  

When owing to the Great Depression Victoria had no bank for more than three years, Robert worked diligently and gave unsparingly of his time in the organization of The Peoples National Bank of Victoria. 

In 1941, at the height of his success, he was stricken with polio. At that time he was the oldest person on record to have contracted the disease. He came close to death, was in an iron lung, and underwent extensive rehabilitation at Warm Springs, Georgia. He was told that he would never walk again and that he would have to manage his affairs as best he could with this in mind. Doctors underestimated his fortitude, his strength of mind that enabled him to bear pain and adversity with courage. Instead of giving in to his debilitating condition, he fought to regain his strength and continue to serve his community. He operated the business from a specially designed desk and rolling office chair. For the rest of his life he was unable to walk without crutches and leg braces and could not use his left arm, but he was more productive at this time of his life than at any other. 

Robert and his father, Walter Williams, provided the funding for the Victoria-Lunenburg Community Centre which, for many years, was used practically every day for a meeting, conference, training, medical clinic, beauty pageant, flower show, gymnastics program, bazaar, skating, dance, athletic contest, private party, musical event, or a variety of other activities.  All of the dances and home basketball games of Victoria High School were held there. The building was dedicated in a ceremony held on March 21, 1941. Prior to Robert’s paralysis, he counted roller-skating among his favorite pastimes. As a result of this, he brought in special lumber to ensure that the floor of the community center would be perfect for skating. 

Robert also donated the land on which the Peoples’ Community Center in Victoria was built and made special provision for credit to fund the construction. In 1945 and 1946, he was in the forefront of those seeking to induce the Craddock-Terry Shoe Corp. to locate in Victoria. He assisted in fund-raising efforts by matching every $100 raised by the committee with $30 of his personal funds. 

In 1947 Robert announced plans to donate funds for the establishment and maintenance of a privately-endowed, public, non-profit health service facility. The Lunenburg Health Service, Incorporated was given to the county under terms of a $250,000 foundation created by Robert. The project was cited as one of the first of its kind in the country. Not connected with the state and county health departments, the Lunenburg Health Service was to provide health services, care, and equipment beyond those available through tax-supported facilities. 

On January 19, 1959, the Victoria Chamber of Commerce presented Robert with its Achievement Award for his outstanding service to the community over a period of many years. He died on February 11, 1969.

Robert Miles Williams was a man of tremendous faith. His personal victories over trials were nothing less than phenomenal. By helping where he could to make the load a little lighter for others, he found the true secret of happiness. His radiant smile and encouraging words helped all who passed through his office. In this time of great hardship and economic uncertainty, he serves as a role model for anyone who dares to step out in the face of adversity and make a difference in the lives of others.