John Samuel Williamson Jr.

John Samuel Williamson Jr., 92, of Midlothian, VA, died on June 20, 2013. He was born in Pittsburgh, PA, the son of the late John S. Williamson Sr. and Marie Zipfel Williamson. John, called “Jack,” lived with his wife of sixty-four years, Phoebe, in Chester, VA, where they were dedicated members of Chester Baptist Church. After faithfully and lovingly caring for his wife through a terminal illness, Jack later moved to Midlothian, VA, where he became a beloved member of Winfree Memorial Baptist Church. A World War II Army Air Corps Veteran, Jack served as a Radio Operator in the 100th Bomb Group, known as The Bloody One Hundredth, and survived seven months as a German Prisoner of War. After being liberated by Allied Forces, he returned home to the United States, fulfilling his promise to God to cherish every day as a gift. Jack would often say that “Every day is a good day. Some days are just better than others.” Looking back over his life, Jack never regretted a single moment or decision, believing that his experiences—even his time as a POW—shaped the person he became and the life he enjoyed to the fullest. He always ended his conversations by telling us, “I love you, and I’m so very proud of you.” His cheerful spirit, his loving generosity, and his constant faithfulness remain an inspiration to his family and everyone who had the honor to know him. He is preceded in death by his wife, Phoebe Taliaferro Williamson; and his daughter-in-law, Gail Zion Williamson. He is survived by his son, John S. Williamson III and his wife, Linda; daughter, Cathy MacQuarrie and her husband, Chuck; granddaughters, Jennifer Williamson, and Kristin MacQuarrie; grandsons, John Williamson and his wife, Brenden, Ryland MacQuarrie, and Eric Williamson and his wife, Becky; great-granddaughters, Avery Williamson, Eleanor Williamson, and Ali Williamson; great-grandsons, Owen Williamson, Connor Williamson, and Jack Williamson. The family will receive friends at the Chester Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Sunday, June 23, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 24, at Winfree Memorial Baptist Church at 1:00 p.m., with interment following at Sunset Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Winfree Memorial Baptist Church, 13617 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113 or Chester Baptist Church, 4317 School St., Chester, VA 23831. Condolences may be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com .