Neal Williamson
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, Zachary, Katerina, Jonathan, Devlin, Blake, Rhiannon, and Rian.
- 8 Great-grandchildren: Kayla, DJ, Wyatt, Elliott, 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.
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I am very saddened my the loss of Mr Willamson. I have known him since I was 16 years old. He was like a father to me . My whole family loved him greatly and he will be missy
Remembering the good old days at Lake Maggiore! Praying for peace and comfort for the entire family. I remember him and you kids mowing the grass! The Nativity the live nativity, him doing the flag ceremony on flag Day. Being a dedicated deacon. Always showing God’s love through service. I will be praying for all of you and know you will see him one day.
I read about your Dad the day after he passed away. A sad farewell. I was with my Dad and showed him the pics posted and obituary. His eyes welled up.
We – the Amick family have soo many memories of our Williamson family. Most importantly growing up together in Christ at Lake Maggorie. You girls’ incredible voices in the pews behind us. Lunches at each other’s house after church. Only to turn around and go back to Sunday night services. We have always been family. There are no words that can bring solace. I read Leisa’s post about Neal. That’s exactly how I remember him. Thank God for your Mom who has the biggest heart ever. Never judged and loved us like her own. I love all of you. Great memories. Now rest it’s time to rest Neal.
I am so sorry for your loss. It was an honor to be with him day in and day out, he always made us smile. The love he shared with his wife was beautiful and rare—one that touched everyone around them. He brought so much joy and so many smiles, and his memory will forever live in our hearts.
My condolences to the family & prayers for strength during this difficult time. He left you with so many memories, that’ll get you thru some difficult days.
I wish Neal the peace and love of a Heavenly reward. He was a good man! My heart goes out to his fiercely devoted and loving wife, my dear sister, Kathy! Their obvious love and devotion to each other was amazing and always evident to anyone who saw them together! I pray Kathy will now find the strength she needs and the comfort of knowing she gave her marriage to Neal, all the love, loyalty, partnership, and amazing care, all through their happy life together! May you rest in peace, Neal.
My sincere condolences to Kathy and the rest of Neal’s family. He will be missed!
I have been blessed to spend a lot of time with Neal and Kathy the past couple of years. Their love for one another was always blazing. His humor and smiles lifted up so many. He will be truly missed, but we know he is with God now.
I have many many wonderful memories of all the years I spent with the Williamson family you all know who you are and know that I love you all very very much your father was amazing in so many ways the family get togethers were incredible they were many of those just know that I love you all very much my heart goes out to all of you and God bless all of you
I will surely miss my grandfather, it’s funny to say, but I have honestly enjoyed all the times that I spent working with him and learning from him and talking with him. And I know that he’s up in heaven with the rest of the family having a good time. We’ll always love him and be thankful for helping me become the man that I am.
So sorry about Neal’s passing. Loved him as well as the rest of the family. Many memories of spending the summers working in tobacco with him and his Mom.