Lowell James Williamson

PARADISE VALLEY - Lowell James Williamson entered the kingdom of heaven on Monday, Feb. 25, 2013. Lowell was born July 19, 1923 in Canton, Ohio, the son of Daryl and Catherine (Hayes) Williamson. Lowell Williamson grew up during the Great Depression. Like so many people of his generation, those things of value taught to him by his parents and grandparents "frugality, hard work, generosity, and an emphasis on the importance of education" were reinforced by America's early 20th century economic downturn. As a young, patriotic member of a B-17 Flying Fortress crew shot down over Nazi Germany, his days as a prisoner of war also made an indelible impression on him, transforming him into a man of peace. Williamson's years as a successful oil explorer and real estate entrepreneur were built on the lessons of his early trials at home and abroad. Throughout all of his experiences, two values predominated all others, his love of God and his devotion to family. Williamson captured these values in his autobiography; "The most precious gift I have been given is my family and the love they have taught me to both give and receive". And, "The giving man is the living man. We don't own anything, we are caretakers". The love of his life for 54 years, Dorothy McGuire, of the famous McGuire Sisters passed away on Sept. 7, 2012. Lowell is survived by his daughter, Rhonda (Randy) Wootan; sons, Eric Williamson, Rex (Karen) Williamson, David (Tamra) Williamson; grandchildren, Leia Wootan Koehler, Rachel Wootan, Rori Wootan, Chelsea Liem, Candace Williamson, Cole Williamson, Grant Williamson, Ciara Williamson, Tyler Williamson; great-grandchildren, Lowell "Bo" Koehler; nephews, Asa Ashcraft, Harold Ashcraft; and nieces, Darlene Forgues, Denise Westerman, Debra Nissle. A celebration of life service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at the Valley Presbyterian Church, 6947 East Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253. The family asks that donations be made to Valley Presbyterian Church in lieu of flowers.