Richard L. “Dick” Williamson, 73, of Marysville, died suddenly Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at the Ross Heart Hospital at the Ohio State University.
He was retired from Honda of America in Marysville and had previously worked for Delo Screw and Westinghouse. A 1963 graduate of Jonathan Alder High School, he served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
He had an effortless wit and made people laugh without trying.
He enjoyed telling stories and also liked to startle people at stop lights by blowing his overly-loud truck horn. He always left events early “to beat the traffic” and appreciated a good steak.
In his younger years he was an avid softball player and enjoyed coaching his children’s sports teams. He also enjoyed watching high school sporting events, especially if the concession stand had good popcorn.
He was a longtime Michigan and Pittsburgh Steeler fan and he attended the Little Brown Jug with friends every year.
He would spend hours watching reruns of Andy Griffith, Hogan’s Heroes, Columbo and Sanford and Son.
In the summers he would mow numerous friends’ yards for free and in 2012 he and his wife, Karen, were honored with the Marysville School District’s Good Apple Award for their volunteer work and donations to the special needs program at the high school.
He was a member of the Marysville Moose and Eagles lodges and local VFW Post 3320.
He loved his family dearly and found his true calling as a grandfather.
He is predeceased by his father, William Williamson, and mother, Betty Caldwell. He is also predeceased by half-brother, Larry Caldwell, and half-sister, Linda Anderson.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Karen, and their two children, Chad Williamson of Marysville and Lindsay (Brian) Welk of Hilliard. Also surviving are grandchildren, Grace Williamson and Caitlin and Mason Welk; step-mother, Phyllis Williamson; half-brothers, Tony Caldwell and Bill Williamson; half-sisters Lesa Seely and Brenda Sullivan; and a countless number of friends.
Friends may call from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Ingram Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 10 a.m. at the funeral home with the Rev. Tonya Brittain officiating. Interment will follow at Oakdale Cemetery where the Union County Honor Guard will provide graveside services. Pallbearers will be Chad Williamson, Brian Welk, Sam Norris, Tom Nelson, Paul Little and Chris Conroy. Don Howard will serve as an honorary pallbearer.
Memorial contributions may be made to Marysville Schools Special Olympics to support athletic events for school-age athletes in the Marysville area.