Robert Ray Williamson

Robert Ray Williamson, M.D., 71, of Fayetteville passed away Sunday, Jan. 18, 2015 at Washington Regional Medical Center, with his beloved daughter, Sarah, at his side. He was born March 3, 1943 in Kansas City, Mo. to Robert Elias Williamson and Vivian Adele Henel Williamson. Dr. Williamson and his sister, Judith, were raised by their doting grandparents, J.C. and Effie Simpson, in Bentonville, where he graduated from high school, a star athlete and academic. Robert attended the University of Arkansas - Fayetteville on an athletic scholarship and earned a bachelor of arts. Following graduation, he taught sciences, coached and drove a school bus in the Bentonville School District for several years. Ever challenging his potential, Robert returned to the UofA and earned a master of sciences before completing his formal education at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, where he earned a doctorate of medicine. Robert spent many years as a primary care physician, emergency room physician and completed his exemplary medical career with twenty years of outstanding service with White River Rural Health/Ar Care in the Searcy area, where he was loved and admired by colleagues and patients alike, positively impacting the lives of all with whom he came in contact. Upon retirement, Robert moved to Fayetteville to be near his daughter Sarah. Robert was a devoted husband, father, brother, grandson and friend. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed many family ski trips to Colorado, camping out West and on the Florida beaches and traveling nationwide to continuing education seminars. Robert was a consummate intellectual and could expound on any subject offered and willingly shared his abundant knowledge with all those in his circle, being extremely proud of his voluminous library. Robert was predeceased by his parents and grandparents. He leaves to cherish his memories daughter, Laura Williamson, master sommelier of New York City; daughter, Sarah Williamson, attorney of Fayetteville; Colette Williamson of Searcy, mother of Laura and Sarah; sister Judith Howard of Cabot; nephew Troy Purma (Rhonda) of Freeport, Texas; niece Cynthia Loftin (Mark) of Sioux City, Iowa; cousin, Richard Russell of Fayetteville; longtime friend, John Peel of Fayetteville; four great-nephews and many loving friends. The family wishes to express special thanks to Dr. Shawn Brown, Dr. Ted Fish, Dr. Boris Bogomilov, Dr. Michael Eckles, Dr. Danette Bowles, the caring staff at Washington Regional Medical Center and Vicki Pakis of Good Shepherd Senior Care Services for their conscientious and loving care of Robert. Cremation will be provided by Benton County Memorial Park in Rogers, after which no formal services are planned.