Bill Williamson

Billy Roy Williamson was received by his heavenly father on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 92. He was born on December 1, 1931, in Fayette, Alabama to Delma Watson Williamson and Marion Williamson, owner of Williamson's Jewelers. He was a 1950 graduate of Fayette County High School. After graduation he joined the U.S. Air Force, where he served four years as an Air Policeman, ending his military career at Austin's Bergstrom Air Force Base.

While stationed in Austin, he met Wanda Griffith at Barton Springs on Labor Day weekend 1951. They were married at Hyde Park Baptist Church on March 21, 1953. Shortly after, Bill began his career with the Texas Department of Public Safety as a Highway Patrolman. His distinguished career spanned the terms of five governors where he was assigned as Sergeant Executive Security at the Governor's Mansion, retiring from DPS with over 30 years of combined service with the U.S. Air Force and the State of Texas. Bill served in the security detail under Governor Price Daniel, and later provided personal security for Governor's John Connally, Preston Smith, Dolph Briscoe, and Bill Clements. As he traveled throughout Texas and the United States, he became a close confidant of the Texas Governors and their families. Highlights of his career included providing security for the Connally Ranch in Floresville, coordinating the Governor's security at Hemisfair '68, as well as at the 1976 Bi-centennial in New York. He attended numerous state dinners, and Governor's Conferences, and met many dignitaries in his lifetime. He was later commissioned a Special Texas Ranger, and served for several years on the Board of Trustees for the Texas DPS Museum.

Bill became a Christian at a young age and was an active member of Hyde Park Baptist Church for over 50 years, serving in many capacities including Deacon and Sunday School teacher. Soon after his retirement he began working at the Hyde Park Baptist Church Quarries in grounds maintenance until his second retirement. He was later instrumental in starting Austin Baptist Church, where he was a charter member, and Deacon. Bill was known for his great sense of humor, and enjoyed Alabama football, farming, fishing, and dominos. But more importantly, he will be remembered as a man of integrity. Whether wearing the uniform of the United States Air Force, or DPS Highway Patrol, Bill Williamson was a loyal servant to the State of Texas and served others well.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 65 years, Wanda Williamson, and son Jeffrey Paul Williamson; his parents, and brothers, Lanier and Lonnie Williamson; sisters, Olene Cauble, and Katie Black. He is survived by his youngest sister, Anice Benton of Fayette, Alabama; son, Mark Williamson, daughter Jill Williamson Lormand and husband Larry. He was most proud of his grandchildren, Chaplain, Captain Lance Lormand (Danielle), Lindsey Davis (Spencer), Libby Peck (James) and Mark Wade Williamson, along with five great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews who lovingly referred to him as Uncle Bill.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 N. Lamar. An interment ceremony will be held Thursday, October 10, 2024, at The Texas State Cemetery, 909 Navasota St. Austin, TX 78702 at 11 :00 a.m. followed by a 2:30 p.m. memorial service at Austin Baptist Church. Always a faithful giver to the church, Bill requested in lieu of flowers contributions be made to invest in the next generation, by giving to the Light the Way fund at Austin Baptist Church, or the Ash Creek Baptist Church Beyond fund.