James Alex Williamson Jr.
Published 6:30 am Monday, September 10, 2012
United States Army, Retired
Services for James Alex Williamson Jr. will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Holland Funeral Directors Chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Ken Bishop officiating, the Rev. Casey Hughes giving the eulogy and longtime friend Brother John Flippin delivering a memoriam. Burial, with full military honors, will be in the Masonic Garden at Lee Memorial Park in Verona.
Mr. Williamson, 81, died Sunday Sept. 9, 2012, at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo after an extended illness. He was born on March 20, 1931, in Lee County to the late James Alex Williamson Sr. and Oriel Maxwell Williamson Bradley.
A native of Baldwyn, Mr. Williamson served five years in the U.S. Navy and another 23 years in the U.S. Army, retiring in 1972. Eventually attaining the rank of command sergeant major, he served with the 82nd Airborne Division as a paratrooper, making more than 100 jumps in his career. He was attached to the First Calvary Division during his two tours of duty in Vietnam. He saw action in the Korean War, and also served in the Dominican Republic. Mr. Williamson was the recipient of three Purple Hearts and one Silver Star.
After retiring from the Army in 1972, Mr. Williamson settled in Tupelo, where he owned and operated Action Locksmith Corporation for 38 years. He was a member of 1st Baptist Church in Fulton, and was an active member of the Upper Room Sunday School Class. He enjoyed the fellowship of his church family, and participated in many of their activities.
An avid Civil War buff, Mr. Williamson was a longtime member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans of Harrisburg Camp 645 in Tupelo with the rank of second brigade commander. A Shriner and Master Mason, he was a member of the Grand Lodge of Mississippi, F & A. M., and Masonic Lodge 0108 in Baldwyn. He also served in the Rotary Club of Baldwyn for many years.
Other hobbies and interests included gun collecting, and vintage Chevrolets that he enjoyed remodeling. He was a scholar of Civil War history, and delighted in reading and studying the history of military warfare. He tremendously enjoyed nothing better than to regale family and friends with shocking stories of his military escapades. He also enjoyed buying gadgets, especially Police scanners and radios.
Survivors include his wife of 28 years, Evie Lou Williamson of Mooreville; his four children, Dennis Williamson (Kay) and Steve Williamson, both of Tupelo, Doris McAllister Thomas ( Kirk) of Wintergreen, Ga., and Valerie Landrum of Saltillo; A stepdaughter, Teresa Webb of Tupelo; a brother, Dean Bradley (Hettie) of Jonesboro, Ark; six grandchildren, Crystal McAllister of Athens, Ga, Thompson McAllister of Meridian, Corey Williamson of Amory, Jessie Williamson of West Point, Robert Williamson of Denver, Colo., and Barrett Hall of Saltillo; two step-grandchildren, Robert David Webb (Amanda) of Jacksonville, N.C., and Cheyenna Gates of Little Rock, Ark.; nine great-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and long- time friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Audie Bradley; his first wife of 31 years, Joan G. Williamson; his sister, Shirley Rodgers; a son, James E. “Pop” Williamson; two stepdaughters, Kay Hood and Tami Gates; a brother-in-law, James Rodgers; and a son-in=law, Scott Landrum.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, donations or memorials be made to help fund research for the very rare and relatively unknown Shy-Drager Syndrome. For memorial and donation information, visit the website www.parkinsonsaction.org
Pallbearers will be the Military Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ken Harvey, step-grandson; Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Robert “David” Webb Jr.; members of his Upper Room Sunday School Class and Sons of Confederate Veterans – Harrisburg Camp 645.
Visitation will be today, from 5 p.m.-8 p.m., at the funeral home.