Billie Charles Williamson

Billie Charles Williamson was the first child born to Handy Williamson Sr. and Lilla (nee Nobles) Williamson on June 3, 1934. His birthday is etched in his family’s memory who will tell the story of how at the age of two, he strutted around the house and gleefully announced to everyone, “I’ll be ‘tree’, June the 3rd!” From the start, Billie brought joy to his family and to others with whom he came into contact. 

As the firstborn, Billie felt it was his duty to “teach” the younger siblings lessons he had learned about how to treat family, friends and neighbors. He would caution his siblings and his own children to “take care of your business and do it on time; take pride in and clean your surroundings; respect yourself and others; treat everyone with dignity; take care of your elders; and acknowledge and honor God, because everything we have comes from Him.” These lessons he taught in words and by the example he set. Also, as the firstborn, Billie felt it was his responsibility to lend support to his family in whatever way he could. He and Louise opened their home to many siblings to come and stay while working summer jobs.

While Billie was a very serious person, he also had a keen wit and sense of humor. He loved to laugh and joke with friends and family. In earlier years, he had a great record collection of popular comedians he enjoyed nothing better than reminiscing with his cousins, other family members and friends about the good old days they shared from his childhood and young adulthood. 

Billie joined the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in Sylvarena, MS at an early age. While united with Hopewell, he was a Sunday School student, Usher, and Choir member. Later in life he joined the Shiloh Baptist Church in Lockport, IL. 

As his health failed him and he became house-bound, he enjoyed hearing the Word preached and taught by various televangelist and ministers via radio, television, and social media. Although he was shy by nature and was a man of few words, you could count on him to share the message of faith and the truth whenever he felt it necessary. Billie’s faith was evident in daily walk and his interactions with his fellowman. 

Billie attended and graduated from the New Prospect School in the Warren Hill Community in Smith County, Mississippi. While a student there, he played basketball and sang in the choir. His solo rendition of “Summertime” from Porgy and Bess was a favorite. He graduated Valedictorian of his class in 1953. He attended Alcorn College in 1954 and enlisted in the United States Army in 1955. He served a tour of duty in Korea as a SP4 and was honorably discharged in December 1958.

When his military service ended, he went to Joliet, IL to find work. There he had many family members, uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends who helped him get established. In Joliet, he met and married Miss Louise McNeal, formerly of Duckhill, MS. They were blessed to share 64 years of marriage. He was a loving husband and father who worked hard to take care of his family and home. He derived joy in providing for his family. Billie and Louise were blessed with two children, Sharon Denise and Charles O’Keith. Billie was a loving father who reared his children with the same values he had been taught. They often said of him, “He was strict! You always had chores, and you had to work!” They also said, “I’m glad he was strict and taught us to work. As an adult I now understand why.” His children reflected and reflect the values, love and respect that he and Louise worked hard to instill. 

Billie enjoyed a long and successful work life. He was employed by Caterpillar Tractor Company for 37 years where he worked as a Hydraulic Tester. 

Billie Charles, as most people called him, was loved by many. He loved the Lord and was a gift God allowed us to enjoy for over 90 years. His work is done. He has kept the faith, he has finished his course, and he is now in the presence of the Almighty. 

Billie was preceded in death by his son, Charles O’Keith Williamson; his mother and faither, Handy and Lilla Williamson; four sisters, Carolyn Roberta Ashley, Lena Mae Green, Dessie Lee McLendon, and Darcy Delores Norris; four brothers-in-law; Ellis Ashley, Jr., John Richardson, Louis McLendon, and Marzine Green; one former brother-in-law, Jerry Norris. 

Billie departed this life on Sunday, July 7, 2024.

He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his well-spent life, his loving wife, Louise McNeal Williamson, one devoted daughter, Sharon Denise Williamson-Walker; one son-in-law, Dana Walker; three grandchildren, Dexter S. Walker, Serbrina Walker, and Sydnie Lynn Williamson; eight greatgrandchildren, Ayannah, Angel, Aaliyiah, DeMario Walker, Melayah, Desiree, Pierre, and his “little buddy,” Jameir Jackson; two sisters, Annie Rose Richardson and Gladys Murel Williamson of Indianola, MS; three brothers, Dr. Lionel Williamson (Mae-deceased) of Pearl, MS, Dr. Handy (Barbara) Williamson, Jr., of Columbia, MO; and Dr. Alex (Sandrea) Nathan Williamson of Greensboro, NC; and a host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

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