robert mcwilliams

Robert McWilliams

Mr. McWilliams belongs to the Lakeside Baptist Church in Painesville, where he is a trustee, usher, and all-around handyman. Because of his knowledge in many aspects of building and maintenance, Mr. McWilliams always made the needed repairs and maintained the property of the old church. When it became apparent that a new church building was needed, Mr. McWilliams raised constructions funds through a recycling campaign. He then helped every day with the actual building of the facility. He was also instrumental in negotiating the sale of the former church building, allowing the new church mortgage to be paid in full the first year.

Mr. McWilliams goes the “extra step,” offering assistance before he is even asked. He has volunteered at the Painesville Salvation Army for the last seven years. He generally spends about twelve hours per week there, but during times when the workload is especially heavy, his hours increase to thirty a week. In 2000, he was recognized by the United Way of Lake County with the Robert G. Sauer Memorial Award for his work with the Harvest for Hunger Campaign.

“He touches so many lives with his caring, unselfish attitude. At a time in his life when most people sit back in retirement, he’s helping others who perhaps cannot help themselves…the world benefits from having Robert McWilliams in it.”

- Melissa Klawon, Nominator