A beloved member of our community, John Frederick "Rick" Williamson, age 76, passed away peacefully Wednesday, March 12 ,2025 at Soin Medical Center after a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Rick was the son of Martha Jane (Anderson) of Xenia and John Corry Williamson of Greene County, OH.  He was born on May 10, 1948 at Fort Hamilton Hospital while his parents resided in Oxford, Ohio.

Rick graduated from Xenia High School in 1966 and was inducted into the Xenia High School's Hall of Fame in 2014.  He volunteered for the US Marine Corps after one year of college and served as a field radio operator stationed in Okinawa.  After his honorable discharge, Rick returned to Xenia as the fourth generation owner of Anderson Williamson Insurance Agency to partner with his father and later his brother.

He worked tirelessly and diligently after the 1974 tornado to help Xenia rebuild, solidifying his reputation as an empathetic, trustworthy and expert insurance agent.  Rick graduated from Capital University, earned his Certified Insurance Counselors Designation, Associate in Risk Management Certification and was twice named Ohio Insurance Educator of the Year by the Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Ohio.  He taught classes across the nation as a faculty member of the National Alliance of Certified insurance Counselors. Rick retired in 2018 but continued to visit the office daily, following the pattern of his father and grandfather.

Rick had a strong commitment to Xenia and served in many volunteer positions. He is a past president of the Xenia Rotary Club and was a Paul Harris Fellow for 'Service above Self".  He was as active member of the Xenia Chamber of Commerce earning the F.M. Torrence Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2014.  He served 15 years as chair of the Xenia Civil Service Commission. He was appointed to the Miami Valley Regional Hospital Board to represent the interests of Greene Memorial Hospital.  He was active on many community committees and fundraising activities.

His special passion was working with and supporting youth activities.  He served as Chairman for the Rotary International Youth Exchange program for the Xenia Rotary Club and for its Ohio/Erie Region. He was responsible for 42 outbound and 32 inbound exchange students, sharing his home with 16 of them over 30 years. He was a part of the Big Brother/Big Sister program for three boys, coached the swim team and volunteered at the MVJGA Annual Youth Golf Camp.  He was also an Associate Scout for the Texas Rangers and particularly enjoyed mentoring the young players and hanging with the other scouts at the hundreds of games he watched yearly. He also Volunteered for the St Brigid Breakfast with Santa, ringing the Salvation Army bell and embracing the spirit of Santa at the YMCA were highlights for him each year.

Rick was a huge sports fan.  He enjoyed playing golf, was a baseball catcher while serving in the Marines and trained many of his horses for harness racing. He was so pleased when he walked 50 holes of golf on his 50th birthday.  He was a lifetime season ticket owner for the Wright State Raiders and ushered at UD basketball games. He particularly enjoyed that he was an Associate Scout during the 2023 Texas Ranger World Series Championship.

Rick did not seek the limelight but was consistently there to generously give his time, advice and support to his family, friends and community.  He was a dedicated family man, doing his best to support and love each member.   He was known for keeping tabs on his friends with weekly calls and texts.  He was grateful for his close and supportive friends that sometimes became part of his acquired family whom he loved and appreciated.   His favorite title was being called "Pops" by his grandchildren that he shamelessly bestowed with treats and gifts.  He happily joined any family outing to watch the grandchildren in an activity or to enjoy an ice cream.  Rick's life was guided by his Christian beliefs, the Marine Corp Code and the Rotary Creed.

He is leaves a loving legacy through his children: John P. Williamson, Elizabeth Sinclair, Sarah Amend and James (Raine) Williamson; his sister: Rebecca Williamson,  life partner, Vicki Williamson; his grandchildren: Helen Lowry, Konrad Lowry, Evelynn Williamson, Burch Williamson, and Rose Williamson, Joseph Amend, Lucien Amend, Alexandra Amend and Morgan Bennett; his niece:  Stephanie Williamson.  He is also survived by Matthew Bennett, his trusted business partner, and his wife Holly, who are special members whom he loved like they were his own.

In addition to his parents, Rick was preceded in death by his brother: David S Williamson.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Xenia Fish Pantry, 774 Cincinnati Avenue, Xenia or to the Xenia Rotary Foundation, 338 S. Progress Dr. Xenia.

A Celebration of Life will be held 6 PM Thursday, April 3rd at McColaugh Massie Funeral Home, 826 N. Detroit St., Xenia. A gathering for friends and family will be held from 4 PM Thursday, April 3rd until the time of service at the funeral home.

Obituary submitted by members of the family.