Harry F. Williamson

Harry F. "Butch" Williamson, 67, of Tilden Township died July 31st in the M. S. Hershey Medical Center. He was born in Port Clinton and was the son of the late Harry F. Williamson and Phyllis J. (Zweizig) Schappell of Hamburg. Harry was born on October 31st, 1946 and was a Halloween baby. In addition to his mother, Harry is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 49 years, Susan K. (Ebling) Williamson. They were high school sweethearts and life-long companions. Their love for each other never dwindled. True faith in each other provided the strength of their life -long bond. Harry is survived by two sons, Troy A., husband of Heather Williamson, Hamburg and Aaron, husband of Wendy Williamson, Charlotte, NC. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Owen, and John, and two step-grandchildren, Jayden and Spencer. Harry was also eagerly anticipating the birth of his first granddaughter. Harry's additional survivors include a sister, Kathleen, wife of Mel Edwards, Hamburg, his high school and life-long friend, a sister-in-law, Beth Ann, wife of Larry Ernst, Windsor Township, a niece Zena, nephews, Mel, Zach and Nicholas and families, and his beloved companion, Miles. Harry was predeceased by his stepfather, Rowland Schappell and his beloved grandmother, Mamie Zweizig. Harry was a 1964 graduate of Hamburg Area High School where he had an outstanding basketball career as a "Hawk". He was named Berks County outstanding player in 1964 and held the scoring record for Hamburg until 1982, when the record was eclipsed by his son, Troy. Harry played in many rec leagues, including the West Reading and 11th & Pike leagues. He was also a member of the Exeter Black Knights and Dietrich's Dairy, which earned city and county titles. His teams also won five consecutive championships in the Reading Social League. Harry was a member of the First United Church of Christ, Hamburg. He worked for Met-Ed as a lineman and in maintenance for 29 years, retiring in 2004. He also worked at the Hamburg Center for two years in maintenance. In his later years, Harry worked for the Perry and Green Acres golf courses. He was a man of many interests and belonged to many organizations during his life. Harry was former president of the Hamburg Athletic Association and a member of the Hamburg Area Sports Boosters. He also coached Hamburg Junior Varsity basketball, Babe Ruth baseball and football mights and midgets. Harry was a member of Vaux Masonic Lodge 406, F&AM, Hamburg Historical Society, Hamburg Fish and Game Association, Shartlesville, Port Clinton and Hamburg Fire Companies, and the Keystone Social Club, Hamburg. He was also a member of the Friends of Gettysburg Foundation. Harry was a devoted Penn State fan and a die-hard New York Yankees fan. Many of Harry's celebrations ended with his rendition of "New York, New York", his all-time favorite feel-good song. Harry was a Civil War buff and enjoyed visiting Gettysburg National Park, among many others. He and his wife, Susie, spent many nights in haunted bed & breakfast hotels. While Harry slept calmly, Susie was ready to run out the door. Harry loved James Bond Movies and could watch them multiple times, and also enjoyed John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and M*A*S*H. Harry loved spending time with his family at the beach, mountains and social gatherings. His passion was his beloved Harry's Grove, a three-acre tract of land that Harry and friends transformed from overgrown brush into a beautiful picnic grove, complete with cabin, pavilions and flower beds. The grove hosted many events including weddings, family reunions and a wide variety of social events. Harry's friends and family gathered weekly at his sanctuary to bond and celebrate life. His little piece of paradise will be fondly remembered for its beauty, but mainly for the heart and soul of its creator, Harry. He will be the everlasting caretaker of his grove and his eternal flame will greet all who visit with open arms and a smile. Harry was an amazing and loving husband, father and grandfather. He had a heart of gold, was full of life and humble as long as he was in bed by 7:00 PM. He was a man who never said a bad word about anyone. He will be eternally loved, missed, admired and treasured by all who knew and loved him for all that he was and will be forever. "What a blessing to share this incredible wonderful journey with you." Always and forever, your loving wife, Susie. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 5th, 2014 at 11:00 AM from the First United Church of Christ, 76 S. 3rd St., Hamburg, PA. 19526. A viewing will take place from the Burkey & Driscoll Funeral Home, Inc., 40 S. 4th St., Hamburg, PA on Monday evening from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and again on Tuesday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the church. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery, Hamburg. Online condolences may be expressed at www.burkeydriscoll.com. A celebration of Harry's life will be held at Harry's Grove; date and time to be announced. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Church of Christ Memorial Fund, 76 S. 3rd Street, Hamburg, PA. 19526, or the Gettysburg Foundation, PO Box 4629, Gettysburg, PA 17325. Flowers will be accepted.