Robert Williamson

Robert D. "Bob" Williamson, 72, of Jackson passed away Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at his home.

He was born Sept. 17, 1950, in DuQuoin, Illinois, son of Ray and Dollie Barber Williamson. He and Ofelia Tambio were married Sept. 8, 1990, in Montreal, Canada, and she survives.

Bob served in the U.S. Air Force in Guam during the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged as a staff sergeant in 1973. He worked as a paramedic in the Jonesboro, Illinois, district for several years and as a medic at the Chester, Illinois, penitentiary.

Bob returned to college and graduated in 1985 from Southern Illinois University. After graduation, he worked for Gibson Center, serving as the program manager from 1985 until his retirement in 2000. He completed his working career with Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield in 2007.

Bob was a member of New McKendree United Methodist Church, where he served as a Sunday school teacher for several years and on several committees, as well as a church usher. He was a member of Anna-Jonesboro Masonic Lodge No. 111 and Jackson Excelsior Masonic Lodge No. 441. He served as secretary with Lions Club in Jonesboro and on the library board in Jackson.

He loved music, driving fast, eating sweets, reading and spending time with his family. He was quick with a joke with anyone he met.

Loving survivors include his wife, Ofelia Williamson; three children, Bobby (Ashley) Williamson of Cape Girardeau, Rachel (Devin) Niswonger of St. Louis and Amy (fiance Anthony) Williamson of Jackson; and his mother, Dollie Cox of Oklahoma.

Also surviving are seven siblings, Linda Gifford of Seattle, Sandra Johnson of Cobden, Illinois, Laura Savage of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and John Williamson of California and Tim Williamson, Tom Williamson and Paul Williamson of Oklahoma; stepmother, Joan Williamson of Viburnum, Missouri; and several stepsiblings.

He was preceded in death by his father.

The visitation will be from 11 a.m. until service time Monday, Jan. 16, at New McKendree United Methodist Church in Jackson.

Funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 16, at the church, with the Revs. Bryan Wendling and Jimmie Corbin officiating. Interment with full military honors will be in Russell Heights Cemetery in Jackson.

The family suggests that contributions be made to New McKendree United Methodist Church or the Parkinson's Foundation.

McCombs Funeral Home and Cremation Center in Jackson is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.mccombsfuneralhome.com.