Gerald Robert Williamson

Gerald Robert �Jerry� Williamson, 74 of Huntington, WV was received by the Lord, April 6, 2015 at Jo-Lynn Health Center in Ironton, OH. He was born in Huntington on July 13, 1940 to the late Gerald �Gurley� Williamson and Eulah Ward Williamson. He was a member of the Kenova Church of Christ. He graduated from Buffalo High School in 1958 and attended David Lipscomb College in Nashville, TN. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he returned to the area and worked for Huntington Alloys from 1969 � 1972, he served as minister of the Williamson Area Church of Christ. He was also part owner of Giovanni�s Pizza in South Williamson, KY until 1977. He is best known for his contributions to bluegrass music. A founding member of the notable bands, Outdoor Plumbing Company and Redwing; he was also a highly respected audio engineer. Jerry performed on bass and Dobro and sang baritone. His assistance to young musicians was legendary, mentoring pickers who went on to play for nearly every top band in the genre. He also left behind a number of original songs in the bluegrass catalog, many recorded by top figures in the music. He was preceded in death by his wife, the former Elaine Holman and a son-in-law, Christopher LeMaster. Gerald is survived by his son, Gerald Kevin (Debbie) Williamson of Murfreesboro, TN and daughter Kelley (Mark) LeMaster-Workman of Prichard, WV; two brothers Ted (Carol) and Daniel (Rebecca) of Kenova; five grandchildren: Melody, Kadence and Caroline Williamson, Ethan and Caleb LeMaster; three step-grandsons, and many nieces and nephews. He is also survived by his cherished companion, DeAnna Darby of South Williamson, KY. A celebration of his life will be held at Ceredo-Kenova Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Ceredo, WV on Thursday, April 16th, 5:30 � 6:30 visitation/jam session, 6 � 7 remarks, 7:30 � 8:30 stories, pickin� and hugs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to WV Down Syndrome Network at www.dsnwv.org or Bluegrass Heritage Foundation at www.bluegrassheritage.org. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ceredo-Kenovafuneralhome.com. 15-016