Joe Louis Williamson aka "Joe Buck or Papa" who departed this life on June 12, 2026, at the age of 87. He was born in Bassett, Virginia on October 21,1938 to Laurinda Davis Williamson and Lawson Williamson Sr. Joe lived a life marked by service, dedication, and devotion to his family and beloved friends.

Joe proudly served his country in the United States Army, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Following his military career, he continued his commitment to public service through his work with the Defense Supply Center, now known as DLA, where he remained a dedicated employee until his retirement in 2000. While enjoying his "Golden Years" of retirement, Joe was known to be fishing, taking bus trips to Atlantic City, playing numbers, cutting grass for people in his community, family and friends for little to no pay or yelling at the television while watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys play as a diehard fan. He also was there to take care of his wife, Willie Mae Williamson in her final days.

He was preceded in death by his beloved his parents, Laurinda and Lawson Williamson, Sr.; wife, Willie Mae Williamson; first wife, Nannie M. Williamson; mother-in law, Nannie Lee Mason; his brothers, Thomas  E. Williamson, Lawson E. Williamson, Jesse B. Williamson, William L.Williamson, James D. Williamson and George C. Williamson; sisters, Mary B. James and Margret L. King; beloved nieces, Caveka Manns and Veronica Stanley; and cherished granddaughter, Cheyenne Morman.

Joe left behind a devoted and loving family that includes his brother, Clyde Williamson and sister, Carolyn Williamson of Bassett, Virginia;  beloved daughters, Mary Willams (Larry Williams, Sr.) and Denise Morman of Virgina; and Wanda Walton of Texas; sons, William Williamson of Petersburg,Virginia and Leonard Draft I (Pachetta) of Prince George, Virginia, and Cliff Mason, Sr. (Rose) of Maryland; among his numerous grandchildren the devoted, Cliff and Terri Mason, Larry Williams, Jr. (Sheressa Williams), Dametriss Williams, Tamesha Billue (Jerry Billue) of Georgia, Zamora Draft (Reginald Watkins), Jordan Draft, Leonard Draft II, Tycoria Johnson (Ryan Johnson), Chaunte' Finney, Ursula Farris and Cierra Morman; devoted nieces and nephews, Antoine Williamson, Tomika Couch, LaVonda Greene, Tamarria Manns-McKinnon, Kyle Williamson, Donna Harris, Dustin King, Don King and Vanessa King.  Joe left his legacy with a host of great and great-great grandchildren those close to him, Ti'Asia Lindsay, Za'Niyah Tucker, Landen, La'Dreus and Laryn Williams of Virginia, Jorden, Domonique and Sabrina Billue, Rodger Farmer, Tamya Balthrop and Kendal Kendrick all of Georgia. Joe's honorary friends are those who looked out for and who assisted him and the family throughout the years and towards the end, Monique Gregory, Ella Massenburg, Tina Jones and Holly Smith; neighbors for decades, Mr. DC and wife Diane, along with all the members of Club 17, Inc.

Joe will be remembered for his strong work ethic, unwavering dedication to his family, and the lasting impact he made on all who knew him. His life was one of honor, sacrifice, and love, and his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Though he is no longer with us in body, his legacy of service, strength, and kindness will never be forgotten.

Services will be held 3:00 P.M., Saturday, June 27, 2026, in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page or click here to view: https://vimeo.com/event/6020170?fl=so&fe=fs