Bill Williamson Obituary (1917 - 2010)

Bill Williamson, 93, of Pana died Friday, April 23, 2010 in Decatur Memorial Hospital. He was born March 14, 1917 in Pana, IL, the son of Louie Helms Ruby Pearl Magee Williamson. Bill was a graduate of Pana Township High School. Other than a short time in Springfield, Bill lived in Pana his entire life. He had been employed by Sangamo Electric in Springfield as a supervisor. He later worked at the Pana Mines, then for over 30 years owned and operated an Enco service station which later became Sunoco. He also had been a bus driver for Pana District #8 for over 30 years. Bill served the community in many different ways. He became a member of the Pana Fire Department on September 8, 1964 where he was appointed Chief in August 1977. He retired from the Department in September 1995. Bill served on the original Christian County Board, District 6 from 1972 until he resigned in May 1995. He was chairman of the Board from December 1986 to November 1990. Bill was on the Christian County Mental Health Assn. Board from 1974-1978, and was Chairman of the Board for a period during that time. He was also very instrumental in the development of the Christian County Mental Health Workshop. He had served several years on The Christian County Housing Authority Board and was the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award. Bill married Mary F. Knoles on November 21, 1951 in Springfield, IL. He is survived by his wife, Mary F. Williamson, Pana, IL; children: Fran Amling husband Clark, Pana, Ill Diane Michael , Pana, IL; Neil Williamson wife Judy, Lexington, KY; son-in-law: Melvin Simmons, Flat Rock, NC; grandchildren: Lindsay Amling, Craig Amling, Brett Amling, Chad DeBrun, Abby DeBrun and fianc Aaron Davis, Brian DeBrun wife Ann, Jessica Cvengros husband Brandon, Shane Simmons wife Tracy, Chris Simmons wife Alissa, Jeff Williamson, Robin Jennings husband Steve; great grandchildren: Kassie, Landon, Wyatt, Addison, Hayden, Gavin, Zoey, Naomi, Madison, Ethan, Ainsley, Rowan, Phineas, Riley, Devin, Keeley; and by his brother: Robert Williamson, Pana, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, daughter Mary Jo Simmons, and by his sister Sarah Jane Stepping. Funeral Information Funeral services will be Monday, April 26, 2010 in McCracken-Dean Funeral Home at 6:30 p.m. with Rev. Debbie Melzer officiating. Cremation rites will be accorded with inurnment at a alter date. Friends may call Monday from 4:00 p.m. until time of service at McCracken-Dean Funeral Home.