Edward “Ed” Lenox Williamson, Sr. went to be with his Lord on August 17, 2025.
Born to Reuben and Mildred Williamson on October 10, 1937, Ed was raised near Birmingham, AL in the small town of Irondale. After graduating from Shades Valley High School in 1956, Ed began working as a draftsman and later had a career in steel sales. He also served in the Air National Guard and spent a year-long deployment in France during the Berlin Crisis.
Ed met the love his life, Norma Jean, when they were infants. After reconnecting as teenagers, Ed and Norma Jean began dating and were married on August 24,1956. During their marriage of 68 years, they set an example of devotion to one another for the family they built together. After beginning their marriage in Birmingham, Ed was transferred to Decatur with Ingalls Iron Works and they found a new home in the small town of Hartselle. They were devoted members of First Methodist Church, where Ed served on the board and as Sunday school superintendent.
Known as “Papa” to his grandchildren, Ed had a quick wit and kept his family laughing with his humorous retorts and his ability to teach grandchildren to turn cartwheels. Ed enjoyed traveling with his wife, dining at new restaurants, listening to all types of music, watching favorite TV shows, bowling in competitive leagues, working in his yard, hosting family for cookouts at their pool, cheering on University of Alabama sports, and supporting grandchildren in their endeavors. Known for his thoughtfulness, Ed remembered to call and sing to each family member on their birthday and would always check on those who were under the weather.
Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Norma Jean Williamson; infant daughter, Lisa Robin Williamson; father, Reuben Lenox Williamson; mother and stepfather, Mildred and Robert Webb; two sisters, Lacy “Cookie” Peoples (Charles) and Linda Ross (Richard); and mother-in-law, Jimmie Doss.
He is survived by one daughter, Leigh Williamson Chappell (Thomas); two sons, Edward Lenox “Len” Williamson, Jr. (Valerie) and James Chadwick “Chad” Williamson (Donna); one sister, Sandra Williamson Emerson; eight grandchildren, Whitney Clemons (Matt Garner), Elizabeth “Lizzy” Elmore (John), Will Chappell (Dannah), Andrea Williams (Nicholas), Claire Ussery (Jacob), Caroline Lamb (Aaron), Andrew Williamson, and Abby Williamson; and ten great-grandchildren.
A funeral service will be held Wednesday August 20 at 11:00am at First Methodist Church of Hartselle with Rev. Doug Wells officiating and Peck Funeral Home directing. Visitation will be 10:00-11:00 at the church. Burial will follow at Hartselle City Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Will Chappell, John Elmore, Matt Garner, Jacob Ussery, Nicholas Williams, and Andrew Williamson.
The family expresses gratitude to caregiver Cynthia Williams for the love she gave and the joy she brought to Ed and Norma.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Hospice of the Valley or First Methodist Church of Hartselle.
Peck Funeral Home
