CANTRALL, IL – Robert L. "RL" Williamson, 70, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2018, at his home.

He was born in Springfield on June 13, 1948, to Robert A. and Helen M. (Cuff) Williamson, both of whom preceded him in death. He married Kathleen Ropp on October 10, 2010, in Gulfport, Mississippi.

RL was a US Navy Seabee veteran serving in Vietnam in 1968. He retired from the Springfield Police Department after 32 years of service and was a recipient of the William Herndon Award in 1975. He loved flying and had earned his commercial pilot's license. He enjoyed motorcycles and cars and was a member of the Cool Cruisers. RL's travels took him on a 10,000-mile bike trip to Alaska on his Honda Gold Wing. He was an active member of Capitol Canine Training Club and the Triune Agility Club. RL and Pension were a certified therapy dog team for several years. He enjoyed countless dog training hours, as well as award-winning agility trial runs, with Pension and Gypsee.

He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; son, Rob (Tiffany) Williamson; grandchildren, Emma and Robert A.; brothers, Neil (Patti) Williamson and Dr. Rex (Jennifer) Williamson; loyal companions, Pension and Gypsee; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Thursday, October 4, 2018, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home. The family encourages friends to wear Superman attire in honor of RL.

A Funeral Service will be held at 9:30 a.m. Friday, October 5, 2018, at Vancil-Murphy Funeral Home with Reverend John K. McIntosh officiating. Burial will follow in Walnut Hill Cemetery in Williamsville.