Obituary of Hilbert Blair Williams

ORANGE Bert Williams September 5, 1928 — December 18, 2013 CHAPEL HILL — Educated in the Chapel Hill-Carrboro school system, Bert was a proud 3-letter varsity man of Chapel Hill High School. Bert later went on to play minor league baseball. After his sports career, he found his way back to Chapel Hill and tried his hand at several businesses before concluding if you have to work you might as well do something you like. He thus began his career as a bar owner in the mid-1950s. Bert owned The Patio until the mid-1960s and the Smoke Shop until he retired in 2010. In his life as a bar owner Bert heard others tell what they felt they could tell no other, provided loans to those with no other lending option, was the arbitrator of disputes and was willing to play a game of chance with anyone who felt luck was on their side. His large hands raised high above his head soon meant his baritone voice would belt out "last call" for each night of his working life. Bert is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Blocksidge Williams, his son Blair Williams (Cara), his granddaughter Savannah Brooke Williams, a sister Donna Markham and his brothers Dan, Claudie and David Williams, many nieces and nephews and friends. A graveside service will be held at Chapel Hill Memorial Cemetery on Saturday December 21, 2013, at 1 pm. A reception to raise a glass with Bert will be held at Chapel Hill University Inn (the original site of the Patio) following the service to celebrate his life and enjoy his "last call" for the final time. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to www.walkersfuneralservice.com