Samuel Elvin Williamson

Oceanside – Sam Williamson, 81, a respected former city councilman and loving family man, died Jan. 8, 2017. He was born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Paul and Ruby Williamson and had four brothers and two sisters.

Sam enlisted in the Marine Corps as a teenager, serving in the Korean War. He married Marcia Kennedy in 1957 after having fulfilled his service. He began working for Huckabay’s clothing store. In 1962 Sam became an Allstate agent, becoming a district manager. In 1981 he joined forces with his oldest son, Sam Jr., at Farmers Insurance.

Sam was active with many Oceanside service clubs and organizations, serving as president for some. He had a passion for coaching Oceanside youth sports including Little League, Pop Warner football, basketball, and Bobby Sox softball.

Sam loved the City of Oceanside and wanted to make a positive mark on the city, proudly serving on the Oceanside City Council from 1984 to 1992 and becoming deputy mayor. During his tenure on the City Council, Sam was instrumental in the rebuilding of the Oceanside Pier as well as the design and construction of the current Oceanside Civic Center. In 1988 Sam and Marcia were co-chairs of the Oceanside Centennial Celebration. They spearheaded the city’s first Rose Parade float known affectionately as the “Message in a Bottle”.

Sam is survived by his wife, Marcia, and their three children, Sam Jr., June and Mark, all born at Oceanside Community Hospital and still residing in the city their father loved. Sam is also survived by a daughter-daughter-in-law Sharon, five grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, two brothers, and two sisters.

Sam will be forever known and remembered for his constant smile, personality and his love for his family and the City of Oceanside.

Sam passed away at his home surrounded by family after losing his fight against pancreatic cancer. A memorial service will be Jan. 26 at 10 am at Eternal Hills Mortuary and Cemetery. A graveside service will immediately follow. In lieu of flowers, Sam’s family would appreciate donations to the American Cancer Society or Oceanside Public Library.