Ray Williamson

Oliver "Ray" Williamson, 94, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love,

family, friendships, and cherished memories.

After the death of his parents, Oliver and Lila Nell (Akin) Williamson, Ray and his sister,

Sue, were raised by their grandparents, Murray and Leona Akin, in Bradford, Tennessee. His

early years shaped Ray's strong values of family, faith, and hard work.

Ray graduated from Bradford High School in 1950. In 1952, he enlisted in the United

States Navy, proudly serving his country during the Korean War aboard the USS Delta AR-9. Ray

often shared stories of his Navy service, which remained a meaningful chapter in his life.

On July 19, 1956, Ray married the love of his life, Joy (Crider) Williamson. Together they

built a beautiful life and raised 5 children: Peggy (Jim) Yasko, Phil (Cindy) Williamson, Donna

(Ken) McEntee, Dee (Jim) Waterman, and Diana (Dennis) Wade.

Ray retired from Ecolab, Inc. in 1993, after almost 35 years. After retirement, Ray and

Joy returned home and settled in Milan, Tennessee.

Ray enjoyed many simple pleasures in life: warm weather, playing cards, and gathering

with family and friends. He especially loved attending reunions of his Delta shipmates with

trips to places such as St. Louis, Missouri; Tucson, Arizona; Virginia Beach, Virginia; and Seattle,

Washington.

Ray had a deep love for dogs, especially Buddy, a well-known collection of hats, and a

gift for forming lasting friendships wherever he went. His hats became part of his identity, and

his friendships stood as a testament to his kind heart and loyal spirit. He never met a stranger

and always a had a story to tell and a smile and giggle to share.

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, his grandparents, his sister, Sue, his beloved

wife, Joy, his infant son, Perry Wayne, and his great-grandson, Jesse Baker.

He is survived by his five children, 12 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and 5

great-great grandchildren, all of whom were a great source of pride and joy in his life.

Following Joy's passing and due to declining health, Ray's children moved him back to

Illinois so they could care for him. They did so with the promise of bringing him home again.

That promise was kept, as Ray will be laid to rest beside the love of his life at Walnut Grove

Cemetery in Bradford, Tennessee.

Funeral services for Ray will take place at 11:00 AM Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Bodkin Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be Saturday morning from 10:00 AM until service time at the funeral home.