Ronald Barry Williamson

Ronald Barry Williamson, 82, passed away on June 11, 2024, in Campbell County, Virginia. Born on December 22, 1941, in Lynchburg, Virginia, to Harry Alfred Williamson and Margaret Nash Williamson Lawrence, Ronald led a life marked by dedication to his family, faith, and country.

He is survived by his beloved wife of over 57 years, Carol Morrison Williamson. Ronald's legacy continues through his children, Rodger Steele Williamson (Qiang Chen) and Carrie Lynn Williamson Berrey (Michael), and his cherished grandchildren, Owen Chen Williamson (Moe) and Kevin Chen Williamson. He is also survived by his brother, Walter Ray Williamson (Glassell), niece, Ann Farris (Tom), and nephew, Gene T. Williamson, Jr. (Sabrina).

A faithful member of Fairview United Methodist Church in Lynchburg, Virginia, Ronald's early education included Liberty Academy in Bedford, Bedford Elementary, Boonsboro Elementary, and William Marvin Bass in Lynchburg. He graduated from E.C. Glass High School in 1961. His pursuit of knowledge continued with math courses at the University of Maryland while stationed at Andrews Air Force Base from 1962 to 1963. He completed courses with the National Radio Institute in 1963 and furthered his education at the U.S. Army Fort Monmouth in New Jersey, studying Electronics Fundamentals and Radar Fundamentals.

Ronald served his country with distinction in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, attaining the rank of E5 (SSGT). His military journey began with basic training in 1961 at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, followed by advanced electronics training at Chanute Air Force Base in Illinois from 1961 to 1962. He was assigned to the 1001 ABW at Andrews Air Force Base in Maryland, where he instructed ground instruments classes and was trained on the SMK 22 Night Visual Landing Attachment. Notably, Ronald was present at the operations terminal at Andrews when President John F. Kennedy's body was returned to the capital on Air Force One and participated in the honor cordon along Pennsylvania Avenue when President Kennedy's casket was taken to the Capitol building for viewing.

In 1964, Ronald was assigned to TRW at Shaw Air Force Base in Sumter, South Carolina, where he played a crucial role in ground movements and navigation during the Vietnam War. His final AFSC in the Air Force at discharge involved working on the F4C Phantom Fighter Simulator as NCOIC. While at Shaw Air Force Base, Ronald was awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. During his time in Sumter, he also worked part-time for Glenn Pearson, owner of TV Service Center, learning the new technology of colored televisions.

Ronald and Carol were married in 1966 and initially lived in the Cherryvale area, where Carol taught 5th grade at Cherryvale Elementary School. They later moved to Lynchburg, where Ronald was employed by Babcock and Wilcox, NNFD, in 1969. He retired from McDermott International in 1998 as an Electronics Technologist after 29 years of dedicated service.

In his retirement, Ronald enjoyed spending time with his family, visiting his son in Japan, and finding solace in gardening. He was also a devoted animal lover, cherishing the companionship of his pets throughout his life, including Butterscotch, Bootsy, Fluffy, Tramp, Barney, BooBoo, Smokey, Grey, and lastly, Tiki, a Maine Coon Cat.

The family will plan a Celebration of Life at a later date. Whitten Timberlake Chapel is assisting the family during this time.

Ronald's life was a testament to his commitment to family, faith, and service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.