RAYMOND LESTER WILLIAMSON I

Funeral services will be held for Raymond Lester Williamson I, 94, of Thornfield, MO on Friday, February 24, 2017 at Gainesville Church of Christ. Burial with Full Military Honors will follow in the Souder Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday evening, February 23rd from 5-7 p.m. in the Clinkingbeard Funeral Home chapel, Gainesville, MO.

Ray was born in Oklahoma Territory on October 29, 1922, son of K.C. and Jencie Betty (Newman) Williamson. He served his country first in the Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC's) then the U.S. Navy for 32 years. He married his sweetheart Floetta Gardner in 1946 and they were married over 63 years. He was a longstanding member of the Gainesville Church of Christ.

He is survived by his four daughters: Gerry Hartman and husband Norman of Gainesville, MO, Teen Castleberry and husband Allen of Whigham, GA, Betty Anglani of Thornfield, MO, Debbi Ratterree and husband David of Springfield, MO; one daughter-in-law Ada Williamson of Springfield, MO; 17 grandchildren; 28 and a half great grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; four sisters; one brother; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his wife Floetta (Gardner) Williamson; his son Raymond Lester Williamson II; his grandson David Castleberry; and four brothers Warren, Verle, Charles and Wayne Williamson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Ozark County Senior Center-meal program. Arrangements are by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home, Gainesville, MO.