Ralph Bud "Bud" Williamson

Ralph Alan “Bud” Williamson, 72, of Kansas City, MO, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, December 3rd, 2011. Bud was born June 10th, 1939 in Ft. Wayne, IN. He attended the University of Nebraska, Lincoln where he remained a loyal and devoted Huskers fan.

Bud was a PGA member for 46 years (1965-2011), the 3rd Head Golf Professional at Blue Hills CC (1976-2001). He served on the Midwest Section PGA Committee and Board, and served as the Midwest Section PGA President in 1983. Bud was on the National PGA Board of Directors and PGA District 7 Director. He was also a U.S. Senior Open Tournament Player.

Bud helped create “Clubs for Kids” with Tom Watson and officiated the “Children’s Mercy Hospital Classic” for 18 years at Blue Hills CC. In 2011 Bud was honored as an inductee to both the Nebraska Hall of Fame and the Midwest Section PGA Hall of Fame.

He was preceded in death by Ralph Alan Williamson, Sr. (father), Cecilia Appleman Williamson (mother), Phyllis Williamson Scallion (sister), Thomas Williamson (brother), and son-in-law Jason Brown. He is survived by his wife Susan Williamson, two daughters Lisa Ives and Lynn Brown, and two grandchildren Owen Ives and Marli Brown. Also surviving is his brother Mike Williamson, several nephews and nieces.

Visitation will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 11822 Holmes Rd., Kansas City, MO 64131 on Monday, December 12 from 9:30-11:00am., followed by a Memorial Mass from 11am-12pm. A Celebration of his life will be held immediately following at Blue Hills Country Club CC, 777 W. Burning Tree Dr., Kansas City, MO.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be sent to: The First Tee of Greater Kansas City, 7501 Blue River Rd, Kansas City, MO 64132. The First Tee is a youth development organization, teaching young people positive values such as honesty, integrity, sportsmanship and confidence while using the game of golf as a tool.

Bud was blessed with a gift that allowed him to live his passion of golf throughout his life. He was a mentor to many and young players learned the skill and etiquette of the game from him. He was also the grand Head Professional guiding many along in their career path. After retirement he enjoyed his membership and friendships at Wolf Creek Golf Club.

He was a loving father, grandfather and husband. He was truly a man’s best friend always eager to enjoy the round, the hunt and a good game of cards. He left us with endless “Bud-isms” and tales to be shared for years to come.

Thank you Bud….a friend and gentleman who will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.