July 17, 1939 – February 7, 2026

Neal Williamson, 86, of Clearwater, Florida, passed away on February 7, 2026 in Clearwater, FL. Born on July 17, 1939, in Tatum Twp., Columbus County, North Carolina, Neal lived a life defined by hard work, service to his country, and an unshakable devotion to his family.

A Life of Service and Diligence

A proud veteran, Neal served in the United States Navy for 22 years, retiring in 1980 as a Yeoman First Class. During his distinguished career, he served aboard naval ships, destroyer  USS Conway, destroyer USS MacDonough and the anti-submarine minesweeper USS Engage. Neal’s adventurers took him to the Cuban operation at the Bay of Pigs in 1961 and later on a recovery ship during the Apollo Space Program. As a Yeoman, he often served as the ship’s mail clerk, taking great pride in delivering news from home to his fellow sailors. His final assignment was a recruiter. This passion for connecting people continued into his civilian life. Neal spent five years working for the Veteran Affairs. In 1985, he joined the United States Postal Service, dedicating another 12 years to his community before retiring in 1997. Neal was a tireless provider. To build a better life for those he loved, he often worked multiple jobs, owning a pest control business and a lawn mowing service, working as a short-order cook. Investing in rental properties he became a successful self made man. He believed in the value of honest work and perseverance.

 

Community, Family, and “Ready to Go”

During the 1970s, Neal was an active leader in his community, serving as a deacon and youth mentor at Lake Maggiore Baptist Church. Beyond his formal roles, he possessed a wonderful sense of humor and unique habits that his family cherished. He was known for always having his socks and shoes on—even while relaxing at home watching TV. With feet as smooth as a newborn baby’s, he was perpetually “ready to go” at a moment’s notice. In 1980 he became a Mason of the Nitram lodge. His moral compass had roots in their rituals. He remained a member throughout his life. This readiness served him well, as Neal loved to travel, exploring many states and countries abroad. He & Kathy had a passion researching their families ancestry. Visiting the east coast state archives, courthouses, cemeteries, homesteads & interviewing families. However, his greatest joy remained the “good chaos” of large family gatherings filled with laughter.

 

Family Legacy

Neal was very much loved and will be missed terribly by all who knew him. He is survived by:

• His wife, Kathleen McGuinness Williamson.
• His former wife and the mother of his children, Mary Lou Stallings Williamson.
• His children: Ginger Platt (Ernie), Leisa Williamson, Greg Williamson (Donna), Stan Williamson (Lisa), Angela Williamson Cassidy (JR), and Erika Williamson (Lee).
• 10 Grandchildren: Donovan, Justin, Rebekkah, Zachary, Katerina, Jonathan, Devlin, Blake, Rhiannon, and Rian.
• 8 Great-grandchildren: Kayla, DJ, Wyatt, Elliott, Odin, Zoey, Parker, and Colby.
• 6 Great-great-grandchildren: Selena, Caleb, Jason, Aleister, Dakota, and Evelyn.
• Stepdaughters Amy Clark and Jennifer Engen;
• Step grandchildren: Kendall Clark, Kyle Zaggia and Zoe Brown.
• He leaves behind nieces and nephews with whom he shared a very close bond, as well as his beloved cousins, Sandra and Phyllis and long time Navy buddy John Brosseau.

 

He was preceded in death by:

• His parents, Archie and Clara Martin Williamson;
• His brothers, Earl and Charles Kenneth (CK);
• His sisters, Claire Elizabeth (Libby) and Hilda;
• His great-grandson, Dakota Platt;
• His stepdaughter Kelly Clark;
• His beloved niece, Elizabeth Simmons Butler.

 The Final Journey

Neal has now set out on his last journey and is finally Home with our heavenly Father. He will be laid to rest at Macedonia Baptist Church in Evergreen, North Carolina.

Services

• Florida Service: Best Care Cremation 15381 Roosevelt Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33760 on February 27, 2026 at 1:00-3:00 with memorial at 2:00 PM.
• North Carolina Service: A secondary service and interment will be held in North Carolina at a later date.