Stephen "Steve" Ray Williamson

Stephen “Steve” Ray Williamson, 65, of Amarillo, TX passed away peacefully September 6, 2024.

A memorial service will be at 4:00 PM, Saturday, September 21, 2024, at Washington Avenue Christian Church. Arrangements are with Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd. 

Steve was born February 13, 1959, in Savannah, GA at the Hunter AFB hospital to Jack and Phyllis Williamson. The Air Force Base birth was the start of many travels across the United States as well as global destinations. Steve’s father was career Air Force and travels were quick to come. In 1960 they relocated to the upper peninsula of Michigan near Marquette and spent 4 years there. In 1964 they moved to Roswell, New Mexico. Then in 1967 a move to the air base on the island of Guam in the Pacific. During that stay, family trips to Tokyo, Japan and Taipei, Tiawan were made. This was around the height of the Vietnam war so there were numerous opportunities to see a number of different aircraft coming and going, which just happened to become one of Steve’s lifelong hobbies. In 1969 the transfer took the family to Omaha, Nebraska for 3 years before his dad took a solitary assignment to a base in Thailand. The family then relocated to Amarillo for a year as that was where his mother’s extended family lived. In 1973, what turned out to be the final move with the Air Force was made to the base in Tucson, Arizona. Finally in 1977, his dad retired, and the family relocated to Amarillo. 

From 1977 through 1991 Steve worked several jobs including State Chemical when he met his lifelong love and friend, Brenda Washington. They were married on March 20,1982. In 1991 he started his sales career at Graybar Electric and took an early retirement package in 2013. Steve worked for Clint and Sons out of White Deer, Texas for several years delivering beef jerky to stores across the panhandle. When his mom started having health issues, Steve lovingly became her primary caretaker. In 2016 after her death, he earned his “mad” money driving cars to Amarillo for resale. Steve loved to view and watch all different types of aircraft. He would drive out to the Amarillo airport several times a week just to see what was coming and going and if he caught wind of different jet fighters or others stopping at the airport, he was in his truck and out there. 

One trip he always looked forward to was to go fishing. He made several trips to the Chandeleur Islands with his dad, brother, and nephew, Jay. The islands are roughly 50 miles offshore from Biloxi, Mississippi and you spend 3 to 4 days fishing for Spotted Seatrout, “specs” and Red Drum, “Redfish”. Fishing is from 14-foot boats with lures and the nights are spent on a 65-foot boat. Another trip he would take was to Buras, Louisiana, fishing with a guide in the marshes of the Mississippi River Delta for Redfish. He and Brenda loved their many travels together to the various islands of the Caribbean and a special trip to Africa.

Steve was an active member of his church and took pride in being on the safety team. Steve is preceded in death by his father Jack, mother Phyllis, and his cherished love of 42 years, Brenda. 

Steve is survived by his brother Jack E Williamson II and wife Kathy; sister-in- law Linda Washington; nephews and nieces Jack E Williamson III (Jay) and wife Erin, Kelli Martin and husband Kevin, Kree Kelley and wife Tanya; great-nephews and nieces Kolby, Kinley, Cale, McKynna and Slade; and honorary nephews Colby and Conner and numerous cherished cousins. 

Although Steve and Brenda had no children of their own, through the Christian Relief Fund at Washington Avenue Christian Church, they have sponsored Josephine, Daniel, William, and Neema for a number of years and that will continue with funding that Steve and Brenda have established for the children.

Steve’s family thanks his many friends for watching over their friend and brother in Christ.

Honorary Pall Bearers: Washington Avenue Christian Church Safety Team.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Christian Relief Fund or a charity of your choice.