Edwin Robert Williamson

Edwin Robert Williamson, of Horton Bay, left this earth and was greeted into the arms of Jesus on January 25, 2021. Ed was born August 23, 1946, in Akron, Ohio to Robert and Marian (Phillips) Williamson.

Ed graduated from East Jordan High School in 1965 and attended NCMC until he was drafted into the Army in 1966. Ed fought in the Vietnam War from 1967-1968 and was honorably discharged. During his time in the Army he received several medals of which he was most proud of earning the expert marksman medal. It was difficult for Ed to talk about this time in his life because he lost friends in the war. Ed loved his country, had great respect for the American flag, and he never left a military ceremony with a dry eye.

He often commented, “I thought I was a sturdy oak, but I guess I am just a weeping willow."

As a teenager at a church volleyball event, Ed saw a girl across the room and told his buddy "see that girl over there, I am going to marry her", and on March 1, 1969, he married the love of his life Karen L. Smith. 

For 30 years, Ed worked for Michigan Bell Telephone (AT&T) as a lineman and later as a splicer. Through his work, Ed developed lifelong friendships with Rocky Rickard, Bernie Kibbe, and Jim Seitz.

Ed loved the Lord and was an active member of the Horton Bay United Methodist Church. He served as a long time trustee, usher, and bell ringer. He loved ringing the bell, especially when his grandchildren would run over to watch or help him ring it. He loved his church and his church family.

Ed enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing, playing cards, and watching westerns and football - especially Tom Brady. He loved telling jokes, and was said to be the life of the party. He never knew a stranger, he could randomly meet someone, carry on a conversation with them and by the end they were now an acquaintance. 

Ed loved his family and was so proud of each of them and was always there to support them. He loved cheering on his children and grandchildren at sporting events, and was one of the loudest in the crowd.

Ed is survived by his loving wife Karen; son, Brett Williamson of Mt. Pleasant, MI; daughter, Melissa (Kevin) Jaskowski of Boyne City, MI; grandchildren, Noah Williamson, Lillian Breedlove, Derek Word, Alexis Jaskowski, Finn Jaskowski, and Sarah Jaskowski; brother, Robert Williamson; sisters, Linda (Scott) Brooks and Cindy Romero (Ed) Chapman; brother in law's, Leslie (Rosemary) Smith, Stewart (Judy) Smith, and Doug (Lynette) Smith; "brothers at heart", Les

(Dolly) Staley, Steve (Cindy) Johnecheck; cousins, Phil (Deb) Harmon, Paul (Jill) Harmon, and Perry (Kris) Harmon; nieces and nephews, Amanda, Nina, Alison, Garrett, Jacob, Meghan, Alex, Ava, and Molly; many nieces and nephews on his wife's side of the family. Ed was proud of each of them. Special in his heart and prayers were Jacob who became quadriplegic at the age of 18, Sarah who beat leukemia, and Rachael who has cystic fibrosis.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Mary (Cook) Williamson, Jack and Marian Sutliff, Clayton and Maude Smith, his Aunt Betty and Uncle Dale Harmon.

A Memorial Service for Ed will be held on Saturday, July 31 at 4:00 pm at the Horton Bay United Methodist Church. A picnic luncheon will follow.

Memorial contributions can be made, in memory of Ed, to Horton Bay United Methodist Church.  

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