Williamson, Lou
September 14, 1928 - September 4, 2017

Lou Williamson, a prominent local businessman, passed away Monday September 4, 2017, ten days before his 89th birthday, after a lengthy period of disability due to a stroke suffered in December 2015.

Memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Saturday, Sept. 9th at St. Paul United Methodist Church, located at 852 W Bedford Euless Rd., in Hurst TX.

Visitation will be Friday evening, Sept. 8 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Shannon Rufe Snow Drive Funeral Chapel, 6001 Rufe Snow Dr, Fort Worth, TX.

Interrment will be at the DFW VA National Cemetery at a later date.

Lou was born in Rocky Mount, NC on September 14, 1928 to Allie and Louie Williamson, the eldest of four sons.At an early age, his family moved to Ahoskie, NC, where his father was Fire Chief and an amateur gunsmith.

After graduation from Ahoskie High School, he briefly attended NC State College. Soon, however, in response to the needs of his country, he enlisted in the US Navy, serving as an electronics technician on the USS Providence. After an honorable discharge, and sparked by his father's interest in guns, he enrolled in the Gunsmithing School at Trinidad State College in Trinidad, CO, where he received instruction from P. O. Ackley, a nationally-known gunsmith. Upon graduation, he was hired by Leonard's Dept. Store (now Dillard's) to come to Ft. Worth and put in a gun shop. This necessitated his move to Texas, where he had resided, with his family, since 1952.

While a student in Colorado, he met his future wife, Betty McDonald, whose family were ranchers on property that was originally homesteaded by her grandfather in the late 1800s. They were married in Zion Lutheran Church in Trinidad on June 17, 1951, and were together for 66 years.

In 1953, Lou and Betty moved to the HEB area, where he established Williamson Precision Gunsmithing and worked with his son Scott, until his death in 2007. Also in 2007, he received the City of Hurst Business Award for Longevity.

In 1955, the first of his three children arrived, a son, Scott, followed by another son, Gary, and a daughter, Lynette.

As Lou's business grew, so did his reputation. He was a real extrovert and rarely met anyone he didn't like. He was always ready with a smile and thought that humor was applicable in most situations. His honesty was above reproach and so was his reputation as a gunmaker and gunsmith. His exceptional work resulted in the creation of many fine rifles, including rifles made for both Johnny Cash and John Anderson.

Lou and Betty became interested in black powder shooting, and after building her a beautiful muzzleloading rifle, with some original parts, began competing at matches in many areas of the country, winning many awards in both rifle and pistol competition. He was active in the Texas Muzzle Loading Rifle Association, serving at times as president, and played a major role in the forming of the Tarrant Longrifles, a local club.

He and Betty were also fishing enthusiasts, especially salt water, where they spent a great deal of time and even owned a house in Port O'Connor, TX.

Lou was a humble man and enjoyed spending time with his family and his two little buddies, Thor and Freya, who were in his lap during many of his final days.

Lou was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Jim and Charlie, and his son Scott.

Survivors include his wife Betty, son Gary Williamson, daughter Lynette McCracken, as well as grand-daughters Amberley Parker and Meagan McCracken, and his brother Tom. Additionally, his survivors include son-in-law Tracy McCracken, and Aaron Parker, Amberley's husband.

Pallbearers will be Gary Williamson, Tracy McCracken, Aaron Parker, and Alex Contreras.

Donations to any of the Hurricane Harvey relief efforts are requested in lieu of flowers.

Pallbearers will be Gary Williamson, Tracy McCracken, Aaron Parker, and Alex Contreras

Arrangements under the direction of Shannon Rufe Snow Funeral Chapel