Billie E. Williamson, age 91, a resident of Manitowoc, entered eternal life on Friday, December 4, 2015 at Holy Family Memorial Medical Center.Billie was born on June 16, 1924 in Manitowoc. He was the son of the late Vernon and Julia McCabe Williamson. When Bill attended Lincoln High School as a senior, he earned the Quarter Master award - similar to the Eagle Scout award. He graduated from Lincoln with the class of 1942. Billie then entered the United States Navy on September 6, 1943 serving overseas during World War II in the Pacific Theatre on the Submarine Tender, Howard W. Gilmore, for the entire war. After his honorable discharge on March 25, 1946, Billie served an apprenticeship at a jewelry store in West Allis learning what would become his lifetime occupation. He came to Manitowoc operating his own business, Williamson Jewelers, for 42 years prior to retiring. Billie enjoyed his many customers and friends. He also greatly enjoyed being the skipper of the local Sea Scouts. Along with his children, they attended regattas and won many awards.On May 4, 1946, Billie married Elaine H. Frey at the New Apostolic Church of North America in Chicago. He was a longtime member of the New Apostolic Church in Appleton, Wisconsin. Billie was also a member of the Masonic Lodge #65, AMVETS Post #99, Drews - Bleser American Legion Post #88 and a life time member of the Manitowoc Yacht Club. He loved sailing as he was born into a sailing family. Billie spent his summers and school vacations with his father and grandfather aboard the car ferry Ann Arbor #6 where his father was captain and on the White Swan where his grandfather was captain. These were ships that carried flour, salt and cement to different ports from Chicago to Washington Island. He raced in a Chicago to Mackinac race along with many cross lake races in the "Lightning Class" boats. Billie also enjoyed his World War II ship reunions.He is survived by his wife of 69 years: Elaine; four children: Gregory (Gay) Williamson, Southern Pines, NC; Jeffrey Williamson, Sun Prairie, WI; Jodi (Michael Nevin) Williamson, Oronoco, MN; and Richard (Beth) Williamson, Chanhassen, MN; seven grandchildren: Karl, Erin, Amy, Gina, Jarod, Jacob and Ellie; three great grandchildren: Brinna, Koury, and Charlotte; sister-in-law: Arlene Williamson, Manitowoc, WI; nieces, nephews along with other relatives and friends. Billie was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Thomas Williamson and Dickie Williamson (in infancy); four sisters and three brothers-in-law: Judy Williamson (in infancy); Marge and Eugene Haver; Barbara and Cliff DuChateau; Carol and Bill Holmes.Memorial services will be held at noon on Wednesday, December 9, 2015 at the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home with Rev. Shawn Flannigan officiating. Cremation has taken place at the Harrigan Parkside Crematory and Chapel. Following the memorial service, a luncheon will be held at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center located on the south property of the funeral home.

Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter Dec 7 2015