Raymond Conover Williamson

Raymond Conover Williamson, passed away on August 17, 2011, at Fairpark Healthcare Center. Born March 17, 1929, in Cincinnati, OH, Ray was raised in Columbus, OH. Having joined the Ohio National Guard at 17 years of age, he received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Army in 1951, when he graduated from The Ohio State University. He was assigned to the 11th Armored Cavalry and was stationed at Camp Carson, Colorado; Baumholder and Straubing in Germany; Fort Meade, Maryland; Kaiserslautern, Germany; Indiana University, and Vietnam. His last assignment was with the National Guard in Jackson, Tennessee, where he retired in 1972 having achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel. Ray’s second career was as a trainer and counselor in the Tennessee State Alcohol and Drug Training System where he worked for the Jackson Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependency. After moving to Maryville, TN, he became a counselor and then clinical director for the Mountain View Recovery Center at Blount Memorial Hospital until his retirement in 1999. That same year, he was awarded the honor of being named Alcohol and Drug Counselor of the Year for the State of Tennessee. He is preceded in death by his parents, Naomi and Raymond Williamson and his daughter, Laura Ann Williamson. Ray is survived by his wife of 27 years, Peggy E. Tollison; son, Scott P. Williamson and his partner Diana Leone; daughter, Amy W. Bishop and her husband Kenny; son, Eric a. Williamson; stepsons, Benjamin T. Griffeth and his wife Amanda; Matthew K. Griffeth and his wife Christiana; and grandchildren, Alison and Emily Bishop, Aletha, Owen and Ryan Griffeth. Ray was a beloved husband, father and grandfather. With his varied professional ventures and personal interests, he touched the lives of many with whom he shared common interests, respect and a sense of comraderie. He was a valiant and intrepid warrior against illnesses that dominated his last years, and he ultimately radiated a sense of peace and serenity. The family is grateful for the loyal, competent and devoted care given to Ray by Joann Willocks, the staff of Fairpark Healthcare Center, and his physician, William R. Moore, M.D. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church, Maryville, with The Rev. Steve Mosher officiating. The family will receive friends in the Great Hall of the Church after the service. Memorials may be sent in Ray’s memory to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 314 W. Broadway, Maryville, TN 37801. McCammon-Ammons-Click Funeral Home in charge 982-6812 www.mccammonammonsclick.com