Melbourne Murray Williamson

Melbourne Murray Williamson, Sr. was born on October 5, 1933, in Morrilton, Arkansas to his parents, Hurie Williamson and Lilly Maddison Williamson. He was the eighth child born in the family. He was raised surrounded by his brothers, Hurie, Jr., Eugene, Terry, Bobby and his sisters, Erma, Willie, Ella, Ruby, Brunetta, Juanita and Nina. As a child, he loved sports. He played basketball and football where he was the team captain. He was affectionately given the nickname "Boochie and Big Boo" by family and friends. He received his formal education in Morrilton where he graduated from Morrilton High School in 1953. Shortly after graduating from high school, Melbourne enlisted in the United States Army. While serving his country, he earned a National Defense Medal, an Army Occupational Medal while stationed in Germany and a Good Conduct Medal. He served with honor and distinction and was honorably discharged. On June 5, 1960, Melbourne united in holy matrimony to the former Mary Lee Freeman in Denver, Colorado. They first met in the late 1950's while he was on leave from the military. Mel was both fascinated and intrigued by Mary's wit, charm and beauty. To this union, Sharon, Mel Jr. and Vicki were born and with this union, he became the father of Melvin and Stanley. The family now complete they all shared many happy and precious moments together. In 2010, Melbourne and Mary celebrated 50 years of wedded bliss. Later his grandchildren Darnell, Natasha, Shamica, Carl, Reggie and his eleven great grandchildren were an additional source of joy and pride in his life. They too have many happy and memorable moments of time they all shared together. By profession, Melbourne was an Entrepreneur who was hard working and a man of many talents. He was employed as a Butcher for Capital Packing Company, he worked for a number of years at Gates Rubber Company, he was also employed by University Health and Science Center, as well as, Owner and Operator of Mel and Sons Landscaping Company. He was a man who was a natural born leader and a man who performed all his duties with integrity, honesty and always with a spirit of excellence. A man of faith and belief in the Lord, Melbourne was a faithful and dedicated member of Zion Temple Pentecostal Apostolic Church under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Robert Martin, Jr. He served his church and the Lord as a member of the Men's Choir, the Men's Ministry and the Men of Valor. He truly enjoyed his walk with the Lord and the fellowship with his church family. Melbourne was a fun loving man who enjoyed life and those he encircled. In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, watching cowboy movies, traveling and walking his dog. He and his wife loved going to church together and spending time with family and friends. His closest friend, Ellis "Chilly" who have been friends for over thirty years will miss the camaraderie they shared together and the fact that he was a true and genuine friend. He will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to have known the one of a kind guy who will never be forgotten. Melbourne is preceded in death by a son, Melvin Taylor, his parents, all his brothers and 5 sisters. Melbourne Murray Williamson, Sr. departed this life to the embrace of the Lord on March 24, 2013, in Denver, Colorado. Those left to cherish his memory and mourn his loss include his loving and devoted wife of 52 years, Mary L. Williamson of Denver; two sons, Stanley D. Taylor of Denver and Melbourne (LeeAnn) Williamson, Jr. of Arvada; two daughters, Sharon M. Vasquez of Denver and Vicki L. (John) Armstrong of Aurora; two sisters, Juanita Holmes of Portland, OR and Nina Carter of Aurora; 6 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins other relatives and many friends.