Franklin James Williamson was born November 1, 1916 to Minnie Van Meter Williamson and Walter Lee Williamson in Caldwell, Texas and died Sunday morning April 27, 2008 at Morris Health Care in Bevil Oaks.
The family moved to Beaumont in 1927, when his father went to work at the Magnolia Refinery. After graduating from Beaumont High School, he went to work in the bookkeeping department in the refinery. During World War II, he served in the United States Army Air Corp in a radar unit controlling flights of allied airplanes in Sicily and Italy. After discharge, he went back to Magnolia Refinery until he joined his brother in the insurance business. Franklin was known for his knowledge of casualty coverage and had many loyal customers. When Baptist Hospital formed an insurance committee, Franklin was asked to be the chairman and he served until the merger with Memorial Hermann Hospital.
As a member of the Young Men’s Business League and its Key Men’s organization, he served on many committees that benefited the City and the surrounding area. He was particularly proud of his tenure as Livestock Chairman of the South Texas State Fair. During his service on the Board of Directors, he and other leaders presented a proposal to establish a blood bank and he became the YMBL liaison to the Beaumont Blood Bank. He served on that board until it merged with the Life Share Blood Banks.
Franklin was loved and cherished by his older brother Moodye Williamson. From the time Franklin was born, Moodye felt an instant love and dedication to the well-being of Franklin. The two men shared numerous memories growing up together. Their brotherly love carried them throughout their lives to include countless laughs, many gardens and thousands of fishing trips, trips to the deer camp and lots of dove hunting. Their understanding of business kept them partners at Williamson Insurance Agency for fifty years. Moodye and Franklin were the best of friends. Till the end, Moodye
was keeping watch over Franklin being a wonderful brother at his side.
Juanita Robichau and Franklin were married for forty-nine years, and shared a loving relationship until she passed away in 2003. They spent many weekends at the beach with Juanita’s sister and husband, Mary Jo and John Neil. Franklin and Juanita hosted the Robichau family get together at Thanksgiving and held their many relatives dear to his heart.
Franklin was predeceased by his mother; father; little sister; and wife, Juanita. He is survived by his brother, Moodye Williamson and wife Elaine Shell Williamson; nephew, Albert Williamson and his wife Charlotte; niece, Sherrill Riley and her husband Jim, and their children and grand children. On the Robichau side of the family, Mary Jo Neil and her husband John and their children have always been very close to Franklin along with the many other nieces and nephews who participated in Franklin’s life.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, April 30, 2008 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin with burial to follow at Magnolia Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be John E. McAtee, Jim Riley, John Neil, Jr., David Robichau, Tommy Robichau, Tommy Dunn, Russell Claybrook, and David Dickens. Honorary pallbearers will be George Krepper, David DeCordova, Louis Beard, John Neil, Sr., Pete Hunt, and Iseral Barrera. A gathering of family and friends will be Tuesday, April 29, 2008 from 5:30 PM until 7:30 PM at the mortuary.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 5247, Beaumont, Texas 77726 or Alzheimer Association, 3195 Calder, Suite 200, Beaumont, Texas 77702.
