Joseph D. Williamson was born on Oct. 8, 1917 in Charlotte, N.C. and later lived in Fort Mill, S.C.

He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II in the China-Burma-India campaign. He earned the rank of Sergeant Major.

In 1949 he opened Williamson’s Paint Center in Spartanburg, S.C., and in 1985 opened Williamson’s Paint Center in Landrum, S.C. He served as president of the Southern Decorating Products Association and the National Decorating Products Association in the mid 1970s.

He was a humanist and a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Spartanburg, S.C.

He was married to the late Allene Wells Williamson. He is survived by his children, Anne W. Lytle (Tommy) of Tryon, Joseph W. Williamson (Meg) of Clemson, S.C., and Thomas S. Williamson (Lyn) of Saluda, N.C.; and grandsons Matthew Lytle of Tryon and Duncan Williamson of Clemson.

In addition, he is survived by his brothers, Carl Williamson of Charlotte, George Williamson of Clinton, S.C. and Jack Williamson of Columbus, Ind., as well as a “special” brother, Clyde O. Wells, Jr.

Special friends, John Cash and Elisabeth Ashmore, brightened his life with frequent visits.

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at White Oak of Tryon as well as the caring staff at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

A celebration of life reception will be held at Sunnydale on Hwy 176 in Tryon, N.C. on Sunday, April 3, 2016 from 1 – 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Foothills Humane Society, 989 Little Mountain Road, Columbus, NC 28722; Hospice of the Carolina Foothills, 130 Forest Glen Drive, Columbus, NC 28722; or the Unitarian Universalist Church, 210 Henry Place, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

Condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com.

Petty Funeral Home & Crematory
Landrum, S.C.