Birth date: Apr 28, 1938 Death date: Feb 22, 2023
Dr. John Hybert Williamson, 84, of Davidson, NC passed away on February 22, 2023. John (Hybert to hometown friends and family) was born in Clarkton, NC, on April 28, 1938 to Mary Elizabeth Ballentine and Robert Bennett Williamson. Read Obituary
John was so kind to share his wonderful book of family research with a cousin from NY (my mother is on page 151!) I will always be thankful for his years of dedication to connect his kin. On this wintery day I was working on my own notes, thought of him and learned of his passing. I am sure he is rejoicing at a huge family reunion. May his memory be a blessing.
Dr. Williamson is one of the kindest and gentlest person. He was not only a teacher but a friend and a mentor. During my 4 years in Davidson, we befriended each other and he introduced his favorite Chinese restaurant to me, Lotus. He and I would go there periodically for Chinese food and I also met Mrs. Williamson. He was a hard but fair and great teacher. He was the reason why I got into UNC Medical School. He encouraged me to pursue medicine before I had even conceived that idea. He believed in me before I believed in myself. I will always be grateful for Dr. Williamson's guidance and support that helped me realize my dream to become a doctor. I will miss his friendship and sharing Lotus Chinese food with him.
Some comments from other Davidson students:
"One of my very favorite professors at Davidson -- even though I was an English major! Genius. Excellent teacher. Kind soul. RIP"
"he was amazingly kind and engaged."
"He believed in me before I did. I am forever grateful for his mentorship and friendship."
"Told me that I had a lot of work to do if I wanted to get into medical school. I’m eternally grateful for the pushing. RIP."
"Very kind to me as a work study student in the bio department office"
"Genetics genius. Kicked my butt out of the gate freshman year."
Will miss you, Dr. Williamson.
Irene (Tsang) Chao '91
John was my cousin and dear friend. His assistance with researching our family’s genealogy is immeasurable. We have shared many good conversations and laughs. I shall miss him forever but John’s sweet and gentle spirit will always be with those who loved him…
One of my favorite memories of John is his rose garden. He gave the roses for Kelly’s bridal bouquet when she married Rob. It was sweet and you could see the pride on his face and Kelly’s joy!
I was introduced to John via an email from one of his friends. My mother is a Williamson from Columbus County, NC and thus we are distant cousins. John asked my wife and I to visit him at Davidson. We made several trips there and John was one of the kindest and most thoughtful person's I have met. He shared much information on the Williamson and associated families. I am grateful to have known him. Such a wonderful person. Jeffrey Davis Page and Diane Todd
I remember one day I had asked Uncle Hybert about cloning me because my boss at Burger King wanted 2 of me. Well, his response was it is more trouble than it's worth. And remember the gift of a shirt with the met-fly that he was experimenting on while he was in Calgary Canada. And heard stories of the Chuck Wagon Races.
Please accept our sincere sympathy for the passing of John. He and Marcia were great friends and we miss both of them. John was instrumental in our choosing to live at the Pines in Davidson. He will be missed by so many friends here.
E.B. and Sarah Dyer
I am so sorry to learn of John’s passing. The Williamson and the Bullock families became friends shortly after my family moved to Davidson and we have shared in many good times and memories together for almost 40 years. After my own father’s passing in 2011, John helped fill the gap in my life and was a father figure to me to me in many ways offering words of wisdom, help, guidance, care, concern, fatherly advice and friendship. I can’t help but imagine the wonderful reunion John just encountered with Marcia after so many years apart. I can also envision Marcia smiling with coffee mug in hand simply saying to him in her energetic voice “Tell me about it!!”as they reunited and caught up on life’s events.
To the Williamson family, know that I share in your grief and loss and that I extend my deepest sympathies. I would like to offer these words below that a friend shared with me at the passing of my father which have provided peace, strength and courage to our family. Know that John Williamson has enriched my life and will not be forgotten.
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. Leo Buscaglia
Karen Bullock
