Obituary

JOHN CARROLL WILLIAMSON, 82, passed peacefully on August 23, 2023. John was preceded in death by his father, Hiram Williamson; his mother, Jean Feuchter; his sister, Sally Williamson; and his stepfather, Carl Feuchter.

John was born in Charleston and was raised in Charleston, Williamson, and Huntington, WV. He was a 1959 graduate of Huntington High School and a 1965 graduate of Marshall University, where he played varsity baseball and was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. John met the love of his life, Mary Rachel Campbell, while at Marshall and the two began their 58-year marriage in 1965.

John began his career with Houdaille Industries in Huntington, WV, and served in the West Virginia Air National Guard’s 130th Air Commando Group. John later enjoyed a decades-long career with C.I. Walker Machinery, Co. and retired in 2001. He was a successful salesman, manager, and executive, but was best known by countless colleagues at Walker Machinery and throughout the coal industry for his kind heart and steadfast leadership.

John was a man of many talents and interests. He was a music lover whose tastes ranged from jazz to traditional string music, and he was an avid player and collector of ukuleles. John loved the outdoors and cherished the time he and Rachel spent with friends and family at their home on the Greenbrier River and during their winter escapes to St. George Island, Florida. At other times, John was just as likely to be found playing golf, shooting clays, riding motorcycles, or simply enjoying a Greenbrier sunset with his dogs.

John brought a comforting presence to any room and commanded immense respect. He possessed a quick wit and an unwavering sense of honor and fairness. He had the soul of a child and the heart of a lion and was always more concerned for others than he was for himself. However, John’s greatest acts of service were reserved for his family. He was a dedicated husband, father, and grandfather whose warmth, wisdom, and kindness were always available.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Mary Rachel; his daughter, Mary Beth Rice and her husband, Kip; his grandchildren, Tanner Rice and Holli Rice; his son, Campbell Williamson and his wife, Sarah; his brother Michael Williamson and his wife Kathleen; his brother James Williamson; his step-sister Karla Hamant and her husband, Bill; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family would like to thank John’s providers and caregivers at Charleston Area Medical Center and the Charleston Healthcare Center – Stonerise.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association (https://adoptcharleston.com) or the Church of the Incarnation of Ronceverte, WV (P.O. Box 276, Ronceverte, WV 24970).

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.barlowbonsall.com.

Barlow Bonsall Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.