Virgil Williamson

Funeral services for Virgil Lee Williamson, 76, of Skiatook, were held Thursday, February 26, 2015 at First Baptist Church in Sperry, OK. Reverend Andy Anquoe officiated and burial was in Osage Gardens Cemetery in Skiatook, OK. Honorary casket bearers were all of Virgil’s friends.

Virgil was born December 27, 1938 in Sperry, OK to Lloyd and Marie (Lewallen) Williamson. He passed away February 23, 2015 in Sperry, OK.

Virgil attended Sperry Schools and was nicknamed "The Joker" by his senior class. He was the president of his senior class, and made All Conference Football, and Football captain his senior year. Virgil was also a football escort for three years, as well as basketball, baseball and student council. He was a dedicated student and achieved 12 years perfect attendance. During and after high school, Virgil worked in the oil fields. In 1958, he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley James. They lived in the Sperry/Skiatook area and raised three children who are proud to call him Dad. Over the next several years, Virgil worked for Tulsa Winch, Safeway, and Standard Parts, and ran a backhoe and dozer business with his brother in-law, Bill Duncan. Later, he went to work for Osage County as the road superintendent, before becoming County Commissioner in 1990, and then retiring in 1996. In 2011, Virgil was chosen to be Honored Alumni. During retirement, he continued to operate his backhoe business and went back to his roots in the oil field, partnering with Jim Burt, Junior Maybee and Buddy Maybee to form Hope Partners. Virgil enjoyed fishing, gardening, blacksmithing and bee keeping.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Shirley Williamson; daughter, Chrisie and husband Billy Bedsworth of Owasso; sons, James Williamson and wife Melissa of Sperry, and Randall Williamson and wife Laurie of Sperry; fifteen grandchildren; 11 grand grandchildren; sisters, Lou Zahner of Independence, MO, Kay Fisher and husband Gerald of Bixby, and Janie Reeder and husband Leroy of Tulsa; brother, Joe Mayor and wife Sheryl of Owasso; as well as numerous family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Marie; great grandson, Cayden James Williamson; brother in-law, Bill Duncan; and nephew, Tommy Reeder.

Memorial donations in Virgil’s memory may be made to First Baptist Church, PO BOX 907, Sperry, OK 74073.