Bill WILLIAMSON

WILLIAMSON, Bill

A new star shines bright tonight in the Texas sky. Our beloved Dad, Papa, brother, and dear friend Bill Williamson passed away on November 23, 2013 at the age of 88 due to complications from Parkinson's.

Bill was born July 23, 1925 in Lockhart, Texas to William and Allie Mae Hubert Williamson. He was the oldest of ten siblings who grew up in the Depression/war era. At the age of fifteen he had to quit school to help support his family by going to work with his father learning the trade of a sheet metal craftsman. In 1941 at the age of sixteen he convinced his dad to lie about his age so he could enlist in the Navy, where he served proudly until the end of the war. While on leave in 1942 in Pennsylvania, he met Virginia "Ginny" Straehle. They were married in 1944 and after the war they made their new home in Texas. They settled in the new, small North Austin community of Crestview in 1952 where they raised their three children whom he nicknamed Mo, Doe and Joe. They lived at 1700 W. St. Johns in the "prettiest little house on the block" until 2010. Bill and Ginny were one of several couples who started a small mission church, Redeemer Lutheran in 1954. Bill served as an elder, Sunday school teacher, Cub Scout leader, and baseball coach.

In 1957, he was asked to create a huge star (8ft. point to point) that was to be hung in the Capitol Rotunda. The star became one of the most photographed items in the capital making it the "Symbol of Texas." Because of this Bill became known as the "Starmaker." After retirement Bill started his own business as a handyman. He continued his craftsmanship and people often waited weeks so they could hire Bill because "he did the job right!" He was asked once why he didn't charge more for his work. He replied "I know my work is appreciated and that makes for a good night's sleep." After doing several jobs for the Texas State Trooper's Association, the Troopers made him an official TSTA Trooper. He was so proud of this honor.

Bill was an avid bowler for over fifty years. He not only bowled on league teams with his two sons, but later with his grandsons. Bill was always ready to go fishing at a minute's notice even if it interfered with one of his beloved Texas Longhorn games.

Bill is preceded in death by his wife of sixty-six years, one sister, and four brothers. He is survived by three sisters and one brother. Left to cherish his memory are his three children - Monroe and wife Jamie; Doreen Luckie and husband Billy; and Joe and wife Olivia. He was the proud grandfather to Jennifer Hertsenberg and husband Dillon; Tiffany Williamson and Travis Williamson; Tami Luckie and spouse BJ French; John Luckie and fiance Arlene Gomez; Kimberly Pekar and husband Steven, and Joe Williamson, Jr. He also has two great grandchildren, Brandon Hertsenberg and Sophia Pekar.

Thank you Dad, Papa for your strength and kindness to family and every person you met. You remain our inspiration, our "star."

The family would like to thank the care staff and the activity ladies at Retirement and Nursing Center, where Bill made his home for the last three and a half years, for their love and care.

The Pallbearers will be John Luckie, Joe Williamson, Jr., Travis Williamson, Joe Loukotka, Paul Eidenschink, and Valdo Ramos. Honorary Pallbearers will be Billy Luckie, Sam Leifeste, Claude Hart, and the Texas State Troopers Association.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation to be held from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home in Pflugerville. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2013 in the Memorial Chapel of Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Funeral Home. He will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Ginny, following the service at Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery. Immediately following the graveside, everyone is invited to gather at a luncheon to begin at Noon at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1500 West Anderson Lane, Austin, Texas 78757.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Bill's name to help fight Parkinson's disease, Retirement and Nursing Center of Austin, or the organization of their choice at Redeemer Lutheran Church.

To share memories with the family, please visit www.cookwaldencapitalparks.com.