Ronnie LaVelle “Snap” Williamson Sr., 78, of Westlake, Louisiana, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by loved ones, on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Born February 13, 1946, in Deridder, Louisiana, Ronnie was a lifelong resident of Westlake and a proud graduate of Westlake High School, Class of 1964.
After high school, Ronnie served in the National Guard for four years while working at Bell South Telephone Company in Lake Charles. He later pursued a successful career as a welder with Local 106 Plumbers & Steamfitters and retired from Dunham Price in 2017. In the 1980s, he also founded Independent Telephone Services (ITS), reflecting his entrepreneurial spirit. For over 20 years, Ronnie was an active member of Mensa International, a distinction he earned due to his exceptional IQ score.
Ronnie was widely recognized as one of the area’s top archers during the 1970s and 1980s. A longtime member of the Lake Charles Archery Club, he enjoyed competitive archery and the camaraderie it brought. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping. His greatest joy was deer hunting, a passion he enthusiastically shared with family and friends.
Above all, Ronnie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He never missed his children’s activities or school events and extended this dedication to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren — unless it was hunting season, of course.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Melton Williamson and Hellon Louise Colvin Williamson, and his brother, Billy Melton Williamson.
Ronnie is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Kay Irene Covington Williamson; his three children: Robert Williamson (Courtney), Shari Williamson, and Ronnie Williamson Jr. (Staci); 13 grandchildren: Robert Young, Michael Williamson, Carli Guillory, Casey Guillory, Tyler Williamson, Kenneth Langley Jr., Kyle Langley (Ashlynn Johnson), Kennedy Williamson Karg (Caleb), Kameryn Williamson (Brant Richard), Trinity Lequeux, Brooklyn Lequeux, Drew Speeg (Abby), and J.J. Speeg; and nine great-grandchildren: Hadlee, Hudson, Levi, Soleli, Arlo, Taylee, Bailee, Ashton, and Olive. He is also survived by his loyal dog and best friend, Sadie Mae.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Jody George and the nursing staff at Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care during Ronnie’s final days.
The family will welcome the public for visitation at Hixson Funeral Home of Westlake Friday, January 10, 2024 from 10am until time of Funeral service at 1pm. Interment will follow at Westlake Memorial Park Cemetery.
The family would also like to invite friends and family for food and refreshments following services at 930 Live Oak St. Westlake, LA 70669.
