Obituary of Wayne Ray Williamson

Wayne Ray Williamson, 73, was born in Bogalusa, Louisiana on April 23, 1950.  He died January 22, 2024, in Pensacola, Florida. 

 

Wayne is preceded in death by his mother Evie Jenkins Williamson, father Herbert “Sam” Williamson, and brother Pete Riley.  He is survived by his children: Shane Williamson, Amanda (Bret) Lybrand, and Hunter Williamson, grandchildren Ashley Williamson, Elizabeth Lybrand, Ella Lybrand, Will Lybrand, and Emelia Lybrand, brother John (Margaret) Williamson and sister Linda (Danny) Potter, nephews Trey (Shawna) Potter, Jeff Riley, and niece Samantha (Clayton) Coy. 

Wayne enlisted in the US Marine Corps in 1967, at age 17.  He proudly served in 3rd Battalion, 3rd Marines, Kilo Company in Vietnam in 1968-1969.  He considered the men he served with as brothers. 

 

Wayne lived most of his life in Mobile, Alabama.  He retired from the Alabama State Docks where he worked as a heavy machine mechanic for 24 years. 

 

Wayne loved the outdoors.  He passed his love of skating, swimming, hunting and fishing down to his children.  Wayne enjoyed woodworking and tinkering and could take apart and fix just about anything.  He loved to tell stories and to have a good time.  He always made the people around him laugh and feel special.  Wayne was a mountain of a man, a loyal friend and everyone who knew him loved him.  He was a charmer to the end. 

 

Wayne’s family would like to thank his best friend, Jay Hankins, for his friendship and all that he did to help us as Wayne’s health declined.  He always looked forward to his drives with you, the time spent fishing or just sitting around shooting the bull.

 

They also want to thank Wayne’s caregivers at Rosewood Rehabilitation and Nursing Center; Emerald Coast Hospice, Gentiva Hospice, and Dr. McKelvey for his patience and compassionate care over the years. 

 

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at 1:00 pm in the pavilion near the East End Pier on Dolphin Island (114 Bienville Blvd).  His funeral will take place on Friday, February 16, 2024, at 1:15 pm at the Alabama National Cemetery (3133 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL).  The family will receive visitors at the cemetery at 12:30 pm. 

 

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Wayne’s honor to the Gary Sinise Foundation or the Wounded Warriors Project to assist veterans and their families.  

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Wayne Williamson, please visit our Tree Store