Alan Elliott Williamson's Obituary
Al Williamson recently passed away on December 15, 2013 at the age of 81. All those who knew Al loved and respected him. He was a trustworthy businessman, a friend to everyone he met, and a loyal father to 3 children and grandfather to 16 grandchildren, with more than 30 great-grandchildren. That which mattered most to him were his Savior, Jesus Christ; his beautiful wife of 61 years, Ellie; his extended family; his love of airplanes and cars; and his fix-it projects.
Alan Elliott Williamson was born on April 15, 1932 to Olive Brundage Galusha and James Sullivan Williamson in North Shaftsbury, Vermont. His family lived at the White Heather tenant farm but moved to the State Line Hill Farm in West Shaftsbury, Vermont when Al was six years old. Al grew up learning the skills of farming. He graduated from North Bennington High School in 1950, and then studied for a year at Randolph State Agricultural School. Later he worked as a trucker for the Springfield Armory. In 1952, Al met and married the love of his life, Eleanor Catherine Fisher. They lived in Springfield, Massachusetts where Al worked for Mobil Oil. He eventually opened his own gas station in East Longmeadow, building it into a thriving business for 14 years. In 1967, Al sold the station and purchased a used-car lot in East Longmeadow, which he owned for 12 years. In 1979, Al began working for Hood Ice Cream Company. Four years later he decided to move to Kensington, Maryland where he and his wife served for seven years in the Washington D.C. Temple for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In all, Al and Ellie served four full-time missions for the LDS Church: Washington D.C.; Wellington, New Zealand; Nauvoo, Illinois; and Rocky Mount, Virginia. They moved to Leesburg, Florida in 1999 where they have since enjoyed many days in paradise.
Alan is survived by his wife Eleanor, daughter Mary Wojnar of Winter Haven, Florida, son James Williamson of Salem, Virginia, and son Paul Williamson of Troutville, Virginia. Additionally, there are those he nurtured as his own children: Penina Hatch, Cynthia Hughes, and George Cruz.
In lieu of flowers, Al asked that donations be sent to the missionary fund of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. http://www.ldsphilanthropies.org/missionary (scroll down to click on ‘donate online’ button) Correspondence can be mailed to 1895 Woodmere Court, Salem, VA, 24153
What’s your fondest memory of Alan?
What’s a lesson you learned from Alan?
Share a story where Alan's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Alan you’ll never forget.
How did Alan make you smile?