Paul Williamson

Today we come together to celebrate the home going of Paul Williamson. Born on June 4, 1967, to the union of Phyllis (Turner) Williamson and the late Bishop George Washington Williamson, Jr. in Indianapolis, Indiana. He departed this life on March 14, 2021. We were blessed to have Paul in this life for fifty-three years and two-hundred eighty-two days.

Paul attended Indianapolis Public School #66 and Bishop Chatard High School in Indianapolis, IN. He then went on to attend Indiana State University in Terre Haute, IN before moving back to Indianapolis. Paul loved learning and received an accounting certification from Independent Colleges of Indiana, Ivy Tech State College/Community College and the Real Estate Career Institute obtaining Indiana licenses in Real Estate, Brokers and Property Appraisals.

Preceded in death by his father, Bishop George Washington Williamson Jr., his sister, Pamela Novella Williamson, and his brother George Washington Williamson III, Paul truly loved his family! He leaves to cherish his memory, his mother Phyllis (Turner) Williamson, and one daughter, Ashley Marie Williamson. Paul professed his love for Christ at an early age with the Church of the Living God, Temple #149, C.W.F.F. Under the pastoral leadership of his father. Growing up, he actively participated in church conferences, youth Groups and the usher board.

He was an avid baseball and basketball fan and player with Bishop Chatard High School and numerous intramural teams around the city. Like his brother, he especially loved the program at “Tab”. Paul also participated in Taylor University’s basketball camp every summer during his teen years.

From a very early age he adored fishing. Whenever a day came and you did not hear from Paul, he was at his favorite fishing spot. During his lifetime, references about fishing and fish were a constant from him. One of his last acts of kindness, was the purchase of a fish tank for one of his great-nieces. He was insistent that she received that fish tank and called upon her parents and family members to make arrangements that she would receive it so she could enjoy looking at the fish during the pandemic shut down.

The family would often reminisce about the trips to Papa and Big Mama’s house and how Paul was quick to move through the greetings only to get his cousins to take him fishing. He was always so excited to share his fish stories with anyone who would listen. Also being the jokester that he was, many of his friends and relatives recently received calls about the “fish house-shoes” that he ordered for them. He got so much joy out of gifting those shoes that he described as being “oh so comfortable”! We can still hear his laughter around delivering what we called the infamous “fish shoes” from Paul.

Paul’s artistic talent was amazing! He could draw just about anything, although he received no formal training in art. His artistic capacity was truly a blessing that came naturally to him. He was only seventeen (17) years old when he created the highly recognized “Pa & Ma’s Bar-B-Que” logo. He jokingly described the logo caricatures, as his mom and dad. Paul was very proud of the fact that this same talent was passed on to his daughter Ashley.

You cannot think of Paul without acknowledging that he was one of the nicest persons you will ever meet. He loved helping others and would give you the last that he had to help people in need. Whether it was giving out food to the hungry, clothes, monetary donations, or whatever the need—Paul gave back from the heart! Paul was loved by so, so many! He loved both his family and community and his infectious laugh, along with his captivating smile, leaves a tremendous void.

Other family members left to cherish the memory of Paul include two sisters; Barbara Ann Smith and Joyce Quanita Rogers; and one Brother–In-Law, Kenneth DeWayne Rogers, three nieces, one nephew, one great-nephew, two-great nieces, and a host of other relatives and friends whose lives he influenced and enriched.

Paul Williamson touched many lives during his fifty-three years on this earth and will be sadly missed, but joyfully remembered by his dedicated family, friends, and the community at large.