Obituary for Robert Williamson

Robert Joseph Williamson

February 18, 1938 – February 24, 2018

Robert Joseph Williamson, age 80, longtime resident of Ponca City, Oklahoma, passed away to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, February 24, 2018 surrounded by family in Bentonville, AR.

Friends and loved ones may pay their respects at the funeral home on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 from 3-10pm. The family will greet friends from 6-8pm. A ceremony to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm, Wednesday, February 28, 2018 in the chapel at Trout Funeral Home with Pastor Mark Busch officiating. Following the ceremony, Robert will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Mary, at the Ponca Tribal Cemetery south of Ponca City. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory.

Robert was born on February 18, 1938 to Robert E. Williamson and Virginia Walt Williamson in Chanute, KS. He was raised in Chanute, KS by his dad and step mom, Virginia Angel Williamson and graduated from high school in 1956. Robert served in the Army National Guard as a Military Police. RJ was an expert marksman with a pistol, and was honorably discharged in 1964. A few years later, he married the love of his life, Mary Louise Warrior, in Miami, OK on April 17, 1968. RJ started working for Santa Fe Railroad in 1957 and retired as a conductor on his birthday in 2000. When he wasn’t working on the railroad, RJ loved picking around at flea markets and garage sales to find the treasures overlooked by others. The casino was another place he enjoyed going with friends and sharing any winnings among the group. He was fond of hunting with his family and friends, seeking the best deer and rabbits to bring home to eat. RJ spent his free time reading and watching old westerns. No list of pastimes would be complete without an ode to RJ’s skill at billiards. While not a hustler, RJ was certainly a good shot and loved the game. As a father, he raised his children by setting the example of the solid father figure, being a generous provider for his family while stressing important character traits including strong moral ethics and punctuality.

Survivors include his children: Thomas K. Williamson and wife Paula of Little Rock, AR, Randolph J. Williamson of Ponca City, Isabel Williamson Withey and husband John of Bentonville, AR, and Sherry O. Williamson of Ponca City; siblings: Marlene Strunk and husband Wendell of Tulsa, OK., Joan Winter and husband Ken of Upland California, Dortha Garcia of Fontana California, and Don Williamson of Highland California; grandchildren: Thomas Karl Williamson, II, Ethan Warrior Williamson, Tyler Sean Williamson, Breanna Nicole Williamson, Steven Brown, Randolph Joseph Williamson, II, Robert Jesse Williamson, Ronny James Williamson, Madison Nichole Withey, Mackenzie Elise Withey, and Spencer Thomas Withey, great grandchildren: Rena Jessa Williamson and Raylynn Rose Williamson.

Robert was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents Robert and Virginia, step mom Ginny, an infant brother James, two sisters Mary Padgett and Betty Yuill, son Robert Eugene Williamson and grandson Anthony Veston Williamson.

Casket bearers will be Tommy Williamson, Randy Williamson, II, Tyler Williamson, Spencer Withey, Jim Sherron, and Chris Packhorse.

Honorary casket bearers are Gaylord ‘Shorty’ Ross, ‘Wild’ Bill Chambers, Bob ‘Bob-O’ Kendrick, and Tracy Bruffett.

Memorial contributions in Robert’s honor may be made to the Circle of Life Hospice, 901 Jones Road, Springdale, AR 72762.

Source: Trout Funeral Home