Clyde "Russ" Russell Williamson

Russ was one of three children born to Isaac Enoch Williamson and Mary Delora Knight Williamson. Born and raised in Brunswick, Georgia, Russ was a star athlete on the football field and basketball court of Glynn Academy. After high school, he attended Armstrong University then Auburn University, both on a basketball scholarship. While at Auburn, Russ entered a co-op with Georgia Pacific and, upon graduation, went to work full time as a mechanical engineer. In the early '70's Russ was transferred to Peekskill, New York to build a new Georgia Pacific plant. It was here the Lord called him into the ministry. Russ and his first wife, Sharon, started a Bible study group in their home and later founded the New Covenant Christian Church in Hopewell, New York. Russ was a man of strong faith and loved ministering to others dedicating his entire life to spreading the love and Good News of Jesus Christ. Most recently, Russ held the position of Elder at the Congregation Beth Yeshua of North Georgia in Woodstock.

Melinda met Russ and Sharon when they took a group from New Covenant Christian Church on a Christian Pilgrimage to Israel. They took several trips which Melinda organized and hosted through CBU Fellowship, Inc. Sharon passed from cancer and Melinda and Russ married in 1998 moving from North Carolina to Georgia. Before retiring, Russ pastored and founded an association of pastors in North Carolina and then returned to engineering which took him from Georgia to Maryland. Upon retirement, Russ and Melinda returned to Georgia moving to Woodstock to be near children and grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Sharon, and a brother, Richard Williamson.

Russell is survived by his wife of 24 years, Melinda Andrews Williamson of Woodstock; three sons, Russ T. Williamson (Barbara) of Johns Creek, Georgia, Scott S. Williamson (Deborah) of St. Simons Island, Georgia, and Dr. Greg S. Williamson (Susie) of Poughkeepsie, New York; a daughter, Rebecca A. Williamson of Woodstock; ten grandchildren, Abby Williamson, Tyler Williamson, Hannah Buggs (Tanner), Michaela Silva (Josh), Brooke Williamson, Sophia Williamson, Tucker Ussery, Tatum Ussery, Haily Ussery and Paige Ussery and a sister, Lana Williamson of Alabama..

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Russ Williamson Memorial Benevolence Fund at Congregation Beth Yeshua o North Georgia, www.cbynorthgeorgia.org The Memorial Benevolence Fund is dedicated to the heart and passion Russ had for the needs of people. Gifts to this fund will be utilized ONLY to meet urgent needs of the members of the community.

Once on their website, please click on the “News” bulletin in red at the top of the home page or click on "Give" and then choose the RWM Benevolence Fund to give in his memory.