Dee R. Williamson

Dee R. Williamson April 9, 1925 - March 8, 2007 Born April 9, 1925, in Cosby, Dee R. Williamson clearly recalled living in what became the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. At a young age he moved just outside the park perimeters with his family and many other displaced families. He still owns part of the family homestead which his family bought on Roostertown Road and has lived there in retirement. He was educated in local schools graduating from Cosby High School in 1943 and receiving his draft notice on graduation day. He served in the U.S. Army until the end of War World II under General George Patton and was in the Battle of the Bulge, earning the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge and others. He returned home and enrolled at East Tennessee State College, graduating in 1950. His working career was spent with Carolina Power and Light Company as a load dispatcher and he retired in 1989 with 36 years service to that company. Hiking was a favorite activity, especially on trails in the Smokies. Williamson, was predeceased by his parents, Oscar and Virgie Webb Williamson; brother, Carl H. Williamson and sister, Elora W. Powers. Surviving are his wife of 48 years, Fonda Freeman Williamson; daughters, Susanna Webb and husband Brad, Newport, Alice McClure and husband Steve, Candler, NC; son, Wendell J. Williamson, Raleigh, NC.; grandchildren, Lydia Laws, Brunswick, Maine, Ben McClure, Candler, NC., and Sarah Thomas, Newport; brothers, Edgar Williamson, Seymour, TN, Donald Williamson, Newport, and Kenneth Williamson, Birmingham, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews. Williamson, was a member of the D.A.V, Purple Heart Association, Long's Chapel United Methodist Church, Lake Junaluska, NC and a devoted member of the Company B. Reunion Group, 9th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division with which he served in wartime. The family will receive friends from 7-9 pm, Saturday, March 10, 2007 at Manes Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held 2:00 pm Sunday, March 11, 2007 in Manes Funeral Home Chapel, with Alan Mears, and Olie Williamson officiating. Burial will follow in Union Cemetery, with L/Cpl Charles C. Roberts DAV Chapter 102 conducting military rites. In lieu of flowers Memorials may be made to L/Cpl Charles C Roberts DAV Chapter 102, 255 Midnight Way, Parrottsville TN 37843