Dr. James Robert "Bob" Williamson

Dr. James Robert (Bob) Williamson of Clarkesville, Georgia, passed away on New Year’s Day. He was 74 years old. Bob was called to ministry during his freshman year in college. He attended the University of Georgia, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and served seven churches in Georgia. His last position was on staff at Decatur First Baptist Church, outside Atlanta, where he ministered for 28 years. Bob was highly regarded by all who met him, for the love he had for his Savior Jesus Christ, for the way he conducted himself in ministry, and for the pure sweetness of his soul. He also had a terrifically funny sense of humor for those who listened hard enough to hear it. Since retirement, Bob has served as a volunteer at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Clarkesville.

Bob followed his grandfather Rev. Herman Wilder and his great-uncle Rev. Ansley Jordan into ministry––two men in whom he held in great esteem. Both of Bob’s parents also worked within the church, both on staff or voluntarily.

Bob was married to the love of his life, Margaret Freeman Williamson, who he met as a freshman at UGA. They celebrated their 51st anniversary in 2025. 

Probably what gave Bob the most joy was his children and their spouses, his grandchildren, and the dogs. He leaves behind son Scott Freeman Williamson (Yesia) of Barnesville, Georgia, and daughter Jennifer (Jenna) Williamson Shaw (Benjie) of Dacula, Georgia, as well as his grandchildren, Nathan (Nate) James Williamson (age 21), Mya Hernandez Williamson (age 22), Ava Margaret Shaw (age 11), and Caleb James Shaw (age 8).

Bob was born in Macon, Georgia, on December 2, 1951, to Christine (Cris) Wilder Williamson and James (Jim) Bryant Williamson. He had two siblings, his brother Joe Williamson from Nashville, Tennessee, and his sister Jan Williamson (deceased) who resided in Athens, Georgia.

If you would like to honor Bob’s memory, consider making a gift to the Bethlehem Baptist Church’s debt reduction fund or go plant a tree somewhere.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, January 6th at Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Interment will follow the service in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends at the church, prior to the service, from 1:00 PM until 2:30 PM.

Arrangements by Hillside Memorial Chapel, Clarkesville. 

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