U.S. Air Force (retired) CMSgt Ruie Williamson went to be with the Lord, peacefully, on Saturday, March 17, 2012, at the age of 92, at Twin Lakes Nursing Home in San Augustine, Texas. He and his beloved deceased wife Lou Zoe Dent Williamson were longtime residents of Mid Lake Village on Toledo Bend Reservoir, near Hemphill, Texas.

     Visitation will be from 5 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, March 20, at Starr Funeral Home in Hemphill, Texas. A graveside service, with full military honors, will be held at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery in Arlington, Texas, on Wednesday afternoon, March 21, at 1:00 PM.

     Ruie was born in Itawamba County, Mississippi, on September 9, 1919. His parents were Governor and Ophelia Williamson of the Fairview Community. After graduating from high school in nearby Red Bay, Ala., Ruie attended Northeast Community College at Scooba. He joined the Army Air Corp in 1940 and served primarily in the Aleutian Islands during World War II.

     After the war, he married the love of his life, Lou Zoe Dent, on September 17, 1945. Twin sons, Ronald and Donald, were born in Fulton where he served in the Reserves. He was recalled into the Air Force in 1950 at the onset of the Korean War. He served in Alexandria, La.; Clovis, N.M.; Etain, France; Tampa, Fla; Fort Walton Beach, Fla.; and retired at Homestead, Fla. in May, 1974. He also served in Ubon, Thailand during the Vietnam War.

     He was preceded in death by his wife of 57 years, Lou Zoe Dent Williamson, and his parents. Survivors include Donald Williamson and wife Kandi, of Oklahoma City, Okla. and Ronald Williamson and wife Ellen, of Brookhaven. Six grandchildren include Christie Collins and husband Chris, Kimberly Reed and husband Bud, Shanna Noble and husband Brady, Carey Williamson and wife Celeste, Joshua Don Williamson and wife Jennifer, and Emily Williamson. Eleven great-grandchildren: Buddy, Samantha and Marissa Reed; Kam, Jake and Will Noble; Sudrey, Nathan and Leslie Williamson; Sara and Morgan Williamson, and one great-great grandchild, Landon James Reed.

     Ruie was a long time member of the Hemphill Church of Christ. He was an amazing man, a humble Christian, beloved son, loving husband, devoted father and the best Papaw ever!    

     Pallbearers will be Bud Reed, Buddy Reed, Josh Williamson, Carey Williamson, Brady Noble and Chris Collins.