James Williamson

Abe was born August 11, 1912 in Mena, Arkansas to J.T. and Carrie (Edwards) Williamson. Abe was one of nine children raised on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work, responsibility and honesty. He was especially close with his older brothers, Joe and Don, and his three younger sisters, Roberta, Bobbye and Billye, as they spent time hunting, fishing and playing pranks on one another.

Abe was a member of the “Greatest Generation” where he served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic during World War II. During his service, he was stationed in various locations, including New Guinea and the Philippines, where he reached the rank of staff sergeant and was awarded service medals including the Bronze Star and Soldier’s Medal.

Following his military service, Abe traveled the country working as a heavy equipment operator on numerous pipelines. He loved to recall countless, colorful stories about his days working on the pipeline. He settled down to family life in Odessa, Texas where he married Leta Arnold and raised two children, Mike and Jamie. Abe and Leta were model examples of work ethic as they strived to provide a stable life for their children. He continued to work in the pipeline industry until he retired in 1975.

Abe loved being outdoors. He enjoyed hunting with his friends, watching the Dallas Cowboys, doing yard work and tinkering in his workshop. He was always looking for a “better way” to make things work and was known for his kindness and sharp wit. He was a devoted husband and spent many years lovingly attending to Leta as her health declined. He was a wise and loving father and grandfather who taught his children and grandchildren valuable life lessons. Abe came from a family blessed with longevity and was thankful to God for his good health and long life. He was a member of Highland United Methodist Church.

Abe was preceded in death by his wife, Leta, his parents, four brothers and one sister. He is survived by his son, Mike Williamson and wife, Beth of Vernon, Texas; daughter, Jamie Fredericks and husband, Jim of Monahans, Texas; grandson, Jeffery Williamson and wife, Lee of Chillicothe, Texas; granddaughter, Lindsay Ridgeway and husband, Brett of Midland, Texas; three great-grandchildren, Jacob and Shawn Williamson and Lainey Ridgeway; three sisters, Roberta Evans and Bobbye Williamson of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Billye Wilson of California; and special friend, Bobbie Nichols.

Graveside services will be 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Sunset Memorial Gardens with Rev. Beth Herrington officiating.

Services are entrusted to Frank W. Wilson Funeral Directors.