Jean Donovan Williamson

1936 - 2025

Jean Donovan Williamson

September 5, 1936 - September 12, 2025

Fort Worth, Texas - Jean Donovan Williamson, age 89, died Friday, September 12, 2025, at his home in Fort Worth.

Donny was born September 5, 1936, and grew up in Fort Worth. He attended Cornell and graduated from TCU, where he met Pat Crawford, whom he had the good fortune and good judgment to marry. Their marriage lasted over 62 years and was filled with joyous adventures and wide-ranging interests. Pat and Donny had three sons, Donovan, Alex and Gregory, all of whom live in Fort Worth and to whom they were always committed.

Donny began his career in the family business, Williamson Dickie, shortly after college. His father, Charles Donovan Williamson, one of the founders, was still active then. As newlyweds, Pat and Donny moved to Belize to open a Williamson Dickie manufacturing plant. They and the plant lasted until Hurricane Hattie wiped out the plant on Halloween in 1961. After that they returned to Fort Worth, and Donny continued his career at the company, spending many years working alongside his brother, Dick.

Donny left Williamson Dickie in 1989 to create his own company, JDW, Inc., to go into business with his three sons, which he enjoyed for many years. They created and invested in several different ventures and had fun in the process.

Donny enjoyed bird hunting, traveling, cheering on the Cowboys, spending time at his ranch, and hosting gatherings. His passion for sailing took him and his brother across the world, racing in the Transpacific, Antigua Race Week, the Texas Ocean Racing Circuit, and many other competitions. He shared this love with his family, taking them to the America's Cup in Australia, and went on to serve as Commodore of the Fort Worth Boat Club. Donny also brought joy closer to home, famously hosting the legendary Nouveau Westover versus Old Westover football game in his front yard in 1974. He will be remembered as kind, generous, and always full of fun.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rob Kelly, whose care was not only exceptional but also peppered with grace and humor. Alfredo and Esmeralda, for many years of devotion. His dedicated caregivers: Lolli, Pearl, Angela, Blessing, Charity , Rudo and Miriam.

Donny was proceeded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann; his brother, Charles Dickie Williamson; and his parents, Charles Donovan Williamson and Mary LeCand Williamson.

He is survived by his son, Donovan and his wife, Amy, their children: Donovan III and his wife, Ashley, and their daughter, Kenna Grace; Mary Amelia and her husband, Peyton, and their sons, Benjamin and Whitmarsh; Crawford and his wife, Lauren; Elisabeth and her husband, Mason; his son, Alex and his wife, Lori, and her son, Sam, and their daughter, Nathalie; his son, Greg, and his children, Sawyer and her husband, Grant and their son, Crew; and Gregory and Elle. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Gail Rawl; and several nieces and nephews.

A service will take place at First Presbyterian Church, 1000 Penn Street, Fort Worth, at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025. The burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to North Texas Learning Center, the Fort Worth Boat club, or a charity of your choice.