James “Larry” Williamson, 86, husband of Patsy Gray Williamson, died Friday, March 1, 2024, at McLeod Health Clarendon.
Born May 26, 1937, in Salters, he was a son of the late Marvin Edward Williamson and the late Sueada Bradham Williamson. Larry was born at home and weighed in at 11 pounds. He graduated from Greeleyville High School on a Friday night and the following Monday began working for Carolina Power and Light Company at the Sumter facility. He was later transferred to Manning where he and Patsy began their married life. He retired from Carolina Power and Light Company (now Duke Energy) after 41 years of service.
Within a year after coming to Manning, Larry and Patsy joined First Baptist Church. Over the years he served as a Deacon, Trustee, Usher, Sunday School teacher, as well as serving on many church committees. In 1982 he was selected as Clarendon County Fireman of the Year and served over 52 years as a volunteer with the City of Manning Fire Department. He was selected as Clarendon County Citizen of the Year in 1992. He served on the Clarendon County Zoning Appeals Board and the City Tree Board. He served his country for 9 years in the National Guard.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years of Manning; three children, Blaine Williamson (Susanne) of Barnwell, Kay Hale of Manning and Jennifer Anne Williamson of Lexington; three grandchildren, Tyler Hale of Greer, Forrest Williamson of Pooler, GA and Hailey Williamson of Barnwell; a brother, Otto Williamson (Peggy) of Kingstree; a sister, Jackie Tiller of Knoxville, TN; two sisters-in-law, Linda Williamson of Kingstree and Harriette Gray of Olanta; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Allen Gray Williamson; a daughter, Amy Joyce Williamson; and two brothers, Billy Williamson and Richard Williamson.
A funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Manning First Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Phillip Reynolds officiating. Burial followed in the Manning Cemetery. Pallbearers were Rich Williamson, Brad Williamson, Forrest Williamson, Tyler Hale, Matthew Prince, Charlie Barrett, Barry Ham and Lin Ham. Honorary pallbearers were Laurin Green, Carter Jones, Tommy Benton, Tommy Cooper, Alfred Breedin, Jimmy Ham, Buddy Lester, Ernie Broadway, Bobby Wilder, Gerald Wilder, Ed Gamble, P.T. Bradham Sunday School class, City of Manning Fire Department, Clarendon County Fire Department, and CP&L (Duke Energy) co-workers.
Visitation was held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 3, 2024, in the fellowship hall of Manning First Baptist Church and other times at the residence, 617 Pickwood Drive, Manning.
Memorials may be made to Manning First Baptist Church, General Fund, 49 W. Boyce Street, Manning, SC 29102, or to Pine Grove Baptist Church, c/o Leona Gamble, 281 Hines Road, Greeleyville, SC 29056.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church Street, Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179.
www.stephensfuneralhome.org
