Donald Lee Williamson

Donald Williamson, age 91, peacefully went home to the Lord on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 in the United Hospital Center surrounded by loving family and friends.  His “beloved great-niece” (as he referred to her) Mitzi, her husband, Mike, close companion, Barbara, and her son, Ralph, were at his bedside.

Donald was known to many by his integrity, humility, kindness, strong faith and willingness to always help.  He was a faithful Christian who lived his faith every day in his humility, gratitude, generosity and love for others. He was a strong believer in daily prayer and keeping the Sabbath holy as the Lord’s Day.  Love of God and love of neighbor were ingrained in his heart.

Donald was born on July 1, 1932, in Barbour County.  He was the youngest child of Ida Mae England Williamson and William E. Williamson.  Three sisters, Edith Reed, Arlene Harter, and Ruth Say predeceased him. His closest friend, James “Sut” McVicker died in 2022.

Donald was from a long family line of Williamsons who settled and established their family farm at Pleasant Creek over 200 hundred years ago in what is now Barbour County.  Donald was raised and educated and lived on the family farm in Barbour County his entire life.  Over the years, Donald worked in the steel, mining and concrete industries.  He was regarded as extremely hard-working and responsible. While working as a concrete mason, he helped in building Davis and Elkins College, the Tygart Dam, as well as a host of other structures in the area.

However, his heart remained tied to his farm at Pleasant Creek, his cows, and, of course, deer hunting.  Donald was a farmer at heart working full-time to maintain his own cattle farm, tending the cows (and the fences!), growing and harvesting the hay. Despite the challenges of full-time farming, Donald was always willing to help neighbors and friends with their farms.

Donald loved the outdoors, trees, and deer hunting. He was devoted to his community and was known for his honesty and integrity.  Donald loved to tell stories and socialize with his friends.  He cherished his family and loved his lifetime friends.  His infectious smile, big heart, and quiet reserved manner endeared him to all those who knew him but most especially to his family. His presence will be sorely missed on the farm and in the community.

Donald is survived by his loving companion, Barbara and his nephews, Ben Say, Wayne Say, and Mark Harter; nieces, Bobbie Tischer and Heather Hise; great- nieces, Mitzi Say McAulay-Matt Payne, Kelli Hise Lovelace and Emily Harter; and great-nephews, Nick Say, Adam Say, Jason Tischer, Tanner Tischer, Justin Harter, and Ryan Harter.  Donald is also survived by many great-great nieces and great-great nephews who will miss his loving presence.

In lieu of flowers, Donald’s family and friends would prefer donations be sent to the Mariah Chapel at the Clemtown Cemetery:   Mariah Chapel c/o Karen Compton  4760 Clemtown Road, Philippi, WV 26416

Friends will be received at the Wright Funeral Home and on-site Crematory 220 N. Walnut St. Philippi on Thursday July 27, from 5-8 pm and on Friday July 28, from 12- 2 pm.  Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm with Pastor Rick Kerns officiating.  Interment will follow in the Clemtown Cemetery.