Donald Dee Williamson

Donald D. Williamson (Don), age 77, passed away peacefully at his residence on January 31, 2026. He was born on September 15, 1948, in Wilsondale, West Virginia, to the late Robert Williamson and Linda Stroud Williamson.

Don called Mebane, North Carolina home for the past 20 years. He was a devoted and loving husband to his late wife of more than 30 years, Mary Louise Ellison Williamson, whom he cared for faithfully during her declining health, never leaving her side.

He is survived locally by his daughter April White, his beloved granddaughter Isabelle “Issy” White, his son-in-law Robert (Bob) White, and his best friend Greg Arven (Sarah), all of Mebane, NC. Don is also survived by his sisters Neltha Croaff and Neva Spaulding, both of West Virginia, along with countless nieces and nephews, extended family and friends who loved him dearly.

In addition to his parents and wife, Don was preceded in death by his siblings: sisters Gay Williamson and Sara Cisco, and brothers Alpha Gene Williamson and Gerland Vester (GV) Williamson. Growing up in West Virginia, Don was affectionately known by the nickname “Duck.”

The last two decades of Don’s life were spent on his cherished 15-acre mini farm in Caswell County, where he built lasting friendships and countless memories. He enjoyed a peaceful retirement on the land he loved and was a phenomenal grandfather to Issy. Together they shared endless adventures—swimming in the pool, tending to chickens, ducks, and mini donkeys, gardening, and riding the John Deere tractor.

Don was an avid fisherman, and he and his best friend Greg spent nearly every weekend fishing at Lake Cammack, his favorite spot. Those days were filled with laughter, stories, and treasured moments that will be remembered fondly.

Don was a proud United Mine Workers of America retiree and a United States Army Veteran. He is survived by many family members, friends, and neighbors who loved him deeply. He will be greatly missed by both his West Virginia family and his North Carolina family, and by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Services are pending and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friends of Coal through the Friends of Coal Ladies Auxiliary, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Beckley, West Virginia, established to educate the public about the importance of coal in our daily lives and to support coal miners and their families.