David Harrison Williamson

Mr. David Harrison Williamson, age 62, of 1519 Academy Road, Walterboro, entered into rest Sunday afternoon, December 29, 2013, at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston following a courageous battle fought with great dignity and pride.

Funeral services will be conducted 11 o’clock Friday morning, January 3, 2014, from the Bethel United Methodist Church, 355 Hampton Street, in the Historic District of Walterboro. The Reverend Ben L. Barnett, The Reverend James W. Williams, Jr., and The Reverend Chris Snelgrove officiating.

The family will receive friends following the funeral ceremony in the social hall of Bethel Church.

Mr. Williamson will be laid to his rest in a family ceremony later that afternoon at Live Oak Cemetery, South Jefferies Boulevard, Walterboro.

Mr. Williamson, a beloved icon and dear friend of Walterboro, was born March 27, 1951 in Columbia, South Carolina. A lifelong resident of the Lowcountry, he was a son of Mr. Arthur Harrison Williamson and the late Mrs. Georgia Oveda Snelgrove Williamson. He was a graduate of Walterboro High School, Class of 1969, where he quickly became a legend in sports having been an all-state selection as a high school running back/defensive back. To this day, he still holds the record for the longest punt return in school history, having ran a ninety-eight yarder against Berkeley High School during his sophomore year in 1966. These unheard of accomplishments led to his 2003 induction into the now Colleton County Football Hall of Fame. His high school sports career achieved a scholarship to Furman University, where he received three varsity letters as a defensive back before graduating with his Bachelors of Economics and Business.

David was a longtime agent for New York Life Insurance Company, having operated his business on North Jefferies Boulevard in Walterboro with great success where he became to many more than an agent, but a trusted friend. David was a well-known and accomplished soloist, possessing a most beautiful tenor voice which over the years has been heard at numerous services, weddings, funerals, and events. He was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Chancel Choir. David was very involved with his community. For many years, he has been a member of the Civitan Club of Walterboro where he was extremely dedicated to the club’s work with the Special Olympics – a cause very dear to his own heart. He had also served on the Board of Directors for the Colleton Medical Center and South Carolina Bank and Trust. In 1979, he along with his dear friend, Buzz Benson, began serving as a color commentator for the Walterboro High Bulldogs and then Colleton County High Cougars radio football broadcasts having retired following the 2011 season after thirty-two years of faithful dedication to these teams.

Surviving in addition to his father of Summerville are: his wife of forty-two years, Mrs. Patricia “Sissy” Ross Williamson; two daughters, Leslie Carol Williamson of Walterboro and Melissa Williamson Southard and her husband William of Charleston; two brothers, James Arthur Williamson and his wife Jen of Goose Creek and Melvin Drake Williamson and his wife Debbie of Summerville; a sister, Lynn Williamson Bazzle and her husband Burt of Summerville; and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Clarice Smoak Ross of Walterboro. Born on December 30, he is survived by his granddaughter, Georgia Layne Southard. There are several nieces and nephews as well as his loyal administrative assistant and friend, Terri Byrd; and his beloved dog, Maggie; and three grand-dogs, Lily, Bay, Salt, and Muddy that also survive.

In lieu of flowers, the family has respectfully requested that memorial contributions be directed in his memory to the following: The Special Olympics in care of Civitans Club of Walterboro, Paul Walker – Treasurer, Post Office Box 1331, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to, Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter, 33 Poor Farm Road, Walterboro, South Carolina 29488; or to, Brain Tumor Research Foundation, 116 Smokehouse Court, Newark, Texas 76071.

For those that wish, memorial messages and thoughts of condolence as well as memories of Mr. Williamson may be shared with the family at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements by: THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.

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