Charles Fonda “Charlie” Williamson, 91, of Milton, passed away Friday, October 20, 2017.

Charlie was born in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to C.F. and Ida Sasser Williamson Winningham.

Charlie served in the Second World War ETO shortly after graduation from high school in 1944. While in combat with the 79th Infantry Division, he was promoted from Private to Technical Sergeant, earning the Combat Infantry Badge. Continuing in the Army of Occupation at war's end, he served as Sergeant of the Guard at the War Crimes Trials in Nuremberg, Germany.

Honorably discharged in 1946, Charlie returned home and was accepted into Pharmacy School at the University of Florida, graduating in 1950. He was a pioneer in hospital pharmacy in Florida. He set up and ran the Santa Rosa Hospital pharmacy department and later served as Hospital Administrator. He also set up the pharmacy at Jay Hospital and ran it until he retired in 1989.

Charlie was an avid bicyclist. As early as 1960, he was often seen bicycling to work or undertaking long cycling treks throughout northwest Florida well into the early 1990’s. He passed his love and enthusiasm for healthy outdoor activities and exercise to his children and grandchildren.

He was an active member of St Mary's Episcopal Church where he served at various times as Treasurer, Senior Warden, lay minister, and lector. He loved attending the First Baptist Church’s Fisher-Brown-Fischer Sunday School class and the First Methodist Church services. He was a strong, loving, caring, and supportive husband, father, and grandfather. Charlie was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him.

He was predeceased by his parents; and his son, George “Gus” Augustus Williamson.

Charlie is survived by his wife of sixty-six years, Mary Beth (Waters) Williamson; two sons, Charles F. Williamson III and Andrew S. Williamson; daughters-in-law, Patricia Donnelly Williamson and Kathryn Prodajko Williamson; and five grandchildren, Anne, James, Drew, Brennon, and Laura.


Visitation will be held 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, October 27, 2017, at Lewis Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 28, 2017, at St Mary’s Episcopal Church (6841 Oak Street, Milton), with The Rev. Matthew Dollhausen officiating.

Burial will follow services in Milton Cemetery with Lewis Funeral Home directing.