When good men leave us, a hole is left in our hearts by their absence. Fortunately, God gave our minds the function of memory to fill that gap. A good man in John Williamson left us March 22, 2019. He was 87 years old.
He was faithful in his love and service to the Lord. He last addressed an assembly of the church here, just a few months ago, as he extended the Wednesday evening invitation. He exhorted us with the passionate concern of a father, yet in the tenderness of a grandfather, about the importance of being faithful to the Lord and the foolishness of putting off doing what you know is right to do. He knew both of these choices quite well, as much as he hoped in the former, he regretted the latter because he had waited so long in his life to obey the gospel.
He was a man who unconditionally loved his family but who knew well the disappointments and heartaches that come from loving those who are dearest to us. In spite of life’s disappointments and heartaches, he remained steadfast and undeterred in prayer. He was an encouragement to all with his words and by his presence.
As we reflect on brother John’s life, we are reminded of what Nehemiah said, of his beloved brother in the flesh, whom he had put in charge over Jerusalem after he had rebuilt the wall and revived the city. “I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah the governor of the castle charge over Jerusalem, for he was a more faithful and God-fearing man than many.” (Nehemiah 7:2 ). Hanani is mentioned in one other place in the book of Nehemiah. He is the one who faithfully bore the sad news to Nehemiah of the devastation and destruction of their people and homeland in Jerusalem (1:2-3). All we know of Hanani is that he was more faithful and God-fearing than many. This is the memory left by our friend John Williamson, which will fill the hole in our hearts by his absence today, and in the days ahead, as we are made to remember him by a word, song or some kindness of another.
Survivors include his beloved bride of 67 years Betty; his two sons and their wives and families: Doug (Marsha) and Curt (Pam); 5 grandchildren: John F. III, Cameron (Carla), Hayley (Kenny) Roberts, Lacy (Scooter) Bodiford, and Rachel (Chris) Lloyd; and 10 great grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 25, 2019 at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. A Celebration of John's Life will be held at Alabama Heritage Funeral Home on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with burial at Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo, Alabama at 2:00 p.m.
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