Hugh A. Williamson Ph.D.

1932 - 2022

Hugh A Williamson Ph.D.
August 11, 1932 - October 14, 2022
Fresno, California - Surrounded by many family members and friends, Hugh died peacefully on Oct. 14, 2022, after a short illness.
Born on Aug. 11, 1932, in Kaufman, Texas, to a farming family, Hugh graduated high school at 16. After working a few years, he returned to school and enrolled at North Texas State College, where he graduated in 1954 with a bachelor of arts degree in physics with a minor in math. While in college, he worked as a fireman and lived in the local fire station.
Hugh served in the U.S. Army for two years and then enrolled at the University of Texas, Austin, where he earned his doctorate.
In 1956, he married Ann Gentry and the two had four children. The family moved to Connecticut where he worked at the United Aircraft Research Laboratory.
Hugh moved with his family to Fresno in September 1967 to teach physics at California State University, where he continued his career until his retirement in 1995.
He was a popular professor whom students praised for his patience, gentle spirit and quick wit.
In 1976, Hugh and Jennifer Clines married and blended their families of seven children, whose ages at that time ranged from 10 to 18.
In retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, which grew to include 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. He and his wife, Jennifer, traveled extensively and both volunteered for a number of organizations, including the San Joaquin River Parkway and U.C . Master Gardeners of Fresno County.
Hugh enjoyed working in his wood shop, where, among a range of items, he crafted a collection of intricate bird houses which he gave to family and friends.
A celebration of Hugh's life will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, May 20, at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Fresno, 2672 E Alluvial Ave., Fresno, CA, 93720. The celebration will be accessible on line.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to KVPR, 2589 Alluvial Ave.,
Clovis, CA, 93611 or the San Joaquin River Parkway Trust,
11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, CA, 93730-9701,