Robert David Williamson

Robert D. “Bob” Williamson, 72, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, January 11, 2023 at his home.

He was born September 17, 1950, in DuQuoin, Illinois, son of Ray and Dollie Barber Williamson. He and Ofelia Tambio were married September 8, 1990, in Montreal, Canada, and she survives.

Bob served in the United States Air Force, in Guam, during the Vietnam War, and was honorably discharged as a Staff Sargent in 1973. He worked as a paramedic in the Jonesboro, Illinois district for several years, and as a medic at the Chester penitentiary.

Bob returned to college and graduated in 1985 from Southern Illinois University. After graduation, he worked for the Gibson Center, serving as the program manager from 1985 until his retirement in 2000. He completed his working career with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2007.

Robert was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson, serving several years as a Sunday school teacher and usher, and fulfilled several committee obligations. He was a member of Anna – Jonesboro Masonic Lodge #111 and Jackson Excelsior Masonic Lodge #441. He served as secretary with the Lions Club in Jonesboro and on the library board in Jackson. He loved music, driving fast, eating sweets, reading, and spending time with his family. He was quick with a joke with anyone he met.

Loving survivors include his wife, Ofelia of Jackson; three children, Bobby (Ashley) Williamson of Cape Girardeau, Rachel (Devin) Niswonger of St. Louis; Amy Williamson (fiancé Anthony) of Jackson; his mother, Dollie Cox of Oklahoma; seven siblings, Linda Gifford of Seattle, Washington, Sandra Johnson of Cobden, Illinois, Laura Savage of Tulsa, Oklahoma, John Williamson of California, Tim Williamson, Tom Williamson and Paul Williamson of Oklahoma; step–mother, Joan Williamson of Viburnum, Missouri; and several step siblings.

He was preceded in death by his father.

Visitation is from 11:00 AM to 1 PM, Monday, January 16, 2023 at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.  The Revs. Bryan Wendling and Jimmie Corbin will conduct the funeral service at 1 PM, Monday, at the church.  Interment will follow at Russell Heights Cemetery, with military honors.

The family suggests that contributions be made to New McKendree United Methodist Church or Parkinson’s Foundation.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.

New McKendree United Methodist Church, Jackson, MO
225 S. High Street, Jackson MO 63755
Tel: 1-573-243-8487
Web: https://newmckendree.org/

Parkinson's Disease Foundation
1359 Broadway Suite 1509, New York NY 10018
Tel: 1-800-457-6676
Web: http://parkinson.org/