Colonel Dennis A. Williamson (Ret.), 65, of Huntsville, AL, passed away on Friday, May 23, 2014. Dennis is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Elizabeth. Elizabeth’s sisters and their husbands, Fran and Don Manuel, and Mary and Ray Maddock lovingly assisted her in caring for Dennis during his illness. Dennis is also survived by his mother, Dorothy (Callis); sister, Alicia Byrn, (Arthur); son, Todd; and grandsons, Connor and Chase. Dennis was loved and admired by nieces, nephews, great nephews, great nieces, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and many long-time friends.
Dennis was preceded in death by his father, James Harold Williamson Sr., and his brother, James Harold Williamson, Jr.
In addition to being a loving husband to Elizabeth, Dennis was a Soldier, a Patriot, and an Army Aviator. Colonel Dennis Williamson was a native of Mayfield, Kentucky, a graduate of Murray State University, a veteran of the Viet Nam war and Operations Desert Shield and Storm. He dedicated his life to his country with over 40 years of military and government service. Dennis was a noted aviation logistician, commanding at all levels, culminating his military career as the Executive Officer to the Commanding General, Army Materiel Command. Dennis also commanded the Corpus Christi Army Depot, 4th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment of the VIIth US Corps with Distinction during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Dennis served in numerous positions at the Army Materiel Command and the Pentagon, including a tour on the Joint Staff and another in the Army Aviation Logistics Directorate, later returning there as the Director. After retiring from the Army, Dennis continued to find a way to serve his country, transitioning as a contractor to a government civilian position, working as the Deputy to the Commander of Corpus Christi Army Depot. His last government position prior to his second retirement was as the Chief of Staff of the Army’s Program Executive Office for Aviation. Among his many awards and decorations were the Distinguished Service Medal and The Honorable Order of St. Michael Gold Award.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Laughlin Service Funeral Home, 2320 Bob Wallace Ave. SW, Huntsville, AL 35805-4725. The funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2014 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date. (www.laughlinservice.com)
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P. O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, www.woundedwarriorproject.org/Donate .
