Henry "Hank" E. Williamson

Mr. Williamson was born in Greenville, SC and resided most of his life in Hampton Roads. He was preceded in death by his wife, Florence Audrey Williamson. He retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer from the U.S. Navy Seabees after more than twenty years of service and from a career with the Corps of Engineers where he supervised the Craney Island Facility in Portsmouth, VA. During this time he established a bird sanctuary in collaboration with Old Dominion University and subsequently received a citation from the City of Portsmouth for his efforts.

Mr. Williamson was an avid reader and over the years donated hundreds of books to the Virginia Beach Public Library System. He was also known for his generous donations to such organizations as the American Cancer Association, Diabetes Association, S.P.C.A. and Wounded Warrior Project.

Survivors include three children, Audrey Jane Borja and husband, Don of Locust Grove, VA; Renee Williamson Perry and husband, Buddy of Virginia Beach, VA; a stepson, Herb Tonkin of Garden Grove, CA; four grandchildren, Lisa Moore and husband, F.D. of Bristow, VA; Gina Davis and husband, Frank; Allen Perry and Alex Perry all of Virginia Beach, VA; two great grandchildren, Michelle and Megan Moore of Bristow, VA; and one on the way.

The family will receive friends on Friday, March 9, 2012 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Smith and Williams Funeral Home, Kempsville Chapel where a celebration of Mr. Williamson’s life will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012, 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow in the funeral home. Interment will be private.

Flowers are welcome or memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312. Friends may offer condolences at www.smithandwilliamskempsville.com