Bill Jewel Williamson

Bill Jewel Williamson, 86, died February 14, 2013 in Pampa.Services will be at 4:00 PM Saturday, February 16, 2013, at First Assembly of God, with Rev. Lonny Robbins, pastor of Trinity Fellowship, officiating.Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery with military honors courtesy of U. S. Army, Fort Hood, Texas. Arrangements are under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors.Mr. Williamson was born April 13, 1926 in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma to John D. and Clara Williamson. He married Naomi Graham on October 23, 1943. On June 2, 1944, he was inducted into the U. S. Army. His unit, the 77th Infantry Division was sent to the Philippine Islands where he took part in the battle of Leyte. He was wounded and spent two months in treatment and recuperation. He rejoined his unit just in time for the invasion and landing in Okinawa on Easter Sunday in 1945. After several days of fierce fighting, he received his second wound at the battle known as Bloody Ridge. Bill was sent to the 145th field hospital on Saipan to spend the next two months recovering.The war in the Pacific had ended by the time he rejoined the 77th. He spent the remainder of his tour in Japan where his unit liberated a POW camp on Hokkaido Island. Bill was discharged from the Army on February 9, 1946 at Ft. Bliss, Texas. He was awarded two Purple Hearts, the Asiatic Pacific Theatre medal, the Good Conduct medal, the Philippine Liberation medal and the Combat Infantryman badge. After his discharge, he returned to Plainview and went into business. Bill and Naomi moved to Pampa in 1954 where he started his own concrete business. After his retirement in 2007, he continued going to the office daily and continued his routine. Bill and Naomi were active members of the First Assembly of God Church until their health declined. They continued their regular worship habits and their love for God.Bill is survived by the love of his life, Naomi of the home. He is also survived by 2 sons: Brent Williamson and wife Nita and Dustin Williamson and wife Crystal, all of Pampa; 2 daughters: Sharon Park of Aliso Viejo, California, and Linda Harkey and husband Gene of Austin; sister: Shirley Davignon of Granbury; 8 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 4 great-great-grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by a daughter and son-in-law: La Gayla and Joe Park; 2 brothers: Doyle Williamson and Joe Williamson; and his 7-month-old grandson: Eugene Harkey.