Benjamin F. Williamson

Benjamin F. Williamson Obituary Benjamin Franklin Williamson was born on May 14, 1954 in Guntersville, Alabama to Roosevelt and Katherine Williamson. He was raised in Guntersville where he met, fell in love with, and married the true love of his life Claudette on August 10, 1979. Ben was devoted to all of his family and friends. He was truly a people-person. He had the amazing ability to make everyone he met, not only feel like his friend, but part of his family because they truly were family to him. He attended Guntersville High School (Class of 1972) and was one of the first classes ever to graduate out of the new Guntersville High School. He also attended Snead State Community College on a basketball scholarship. Better known as Sodaki around this time, many remember his famous left-handed moves that made him a force to be reckoned with on the basketball court. Ben was smart, talented, strong and brave. He had a charismatic countenance that was undeniable and a laugh that made him approachable. He could have chosen many paths for his life. Many doors where opened to him, but the one he chose was to be a husband, a father, a mentor, and above all a faithful servant of Jehovah God. As a hard worker and provider he was employed at a textile facility in Albertville, Alabama for over 30 years and also had a lawncare business. He genuinely cared for others and had a passion for life, which made his path one of purpose and fulfillment with few regrets. The story of how he chose to learn more about Bible truths started with his brother, Andre. Andre had accepted a Bible study from Brother Willie Anderson, and one day Ben happened to stop by and listen in. In that moment, he was shown he could be with his father again in Paradise on earth in the near future. His father had died when he was just 12 years old. After that, he would tell you, “That was it! The rest is history.” He came to an accurate knowledge of the Bible, and symbolized his dedication to the true God, Jehovah, on November 27, 1977. He dearly loved sharing his hope about the blessings to come on this earth under the rulership of God’s Kingdom. All those that have benefited from his teaching, tremendous trust, admiration, and love for Jehovah God, thank him for his self-sacrificing choices and willingness to listen, accept, and apply what he had learned from the Bible. Benjamin’s full and rich life filled with love and true meaning came to its end after a 6-year long war with cancer on June 30, 2015. Many battles were rough, but his fighting and positive spirit won most of them. In his last years, he was rarely in the hospital and very busy in Jehovah’s service while associating with family and friends - old and new. All those that came to know him in the past few years observed his resilience and fervor for life and expressed that it was an honor to have known him. Ben would want all that were present to hear or read this short summary to know, that he desires to see ALL of you in the paradise when he wakes up very soon. Ben is survived by his wife, Claudette Williamson of Guntersville, AL; his children, Chris Banks (Kalan) of Gallatin, TN, Lana Horton (Paul) of Madison, TN, Keturah Kennemer (Shawn) of Madison, AL, and Bethany Etheridge (Michael) of Chicago, IL; his two siblings - Andre Williamson (Pam) of Scottsboro, AL and Kim Williamson (Carol) of Guntersville, AL; his sixteen grandchildren - Steven McMillan, Breeanna Banks, Canah Banks, Carly Banks, Bethany Farrar, Christian Banks, Kaleb Horton, Leia Horton, Aidan Horton, Ashawna Kennemer, Lution Kennemer, Benjamin B. Williamson, Lily Williamson, Aniah Havis, Alexus Havis, and Adrian Havis; his mother-in-law, Geraldine Wray of Guntersville, AL; and many other relatives, dear friends, and Christian brothers and sisters. He is preceded in death by his parents Roosevelt and Katherine Williamson, and his son Benjamin Franklin Williamson II. Pall Bearers - Curtis Hellard, Mike Galarza, Mike Smith, Gene Aslinger, Rick Folsom, and Fred Ellis Honorary Pall Bearers (nephews) - Chrunn Williamson, Eric Williamson, Alonzo Williamson, Lorenzo Williamson, Marcus Williamson, and Jacob Williamson The familiy would like to express that your love and thoughtfulness is truly appreciated and will long be remembered. In times of loss such as this, the kindness and assistance of true friends does much to ease the pain. For this they are indeed grateful.

Benjamin F. Williamson

May 14, 1954 - June 30, 2015