Robert Milton “Milt” Williamson, 85

Robert Milton “Milt” Williamson, 85, passed away on Thursday, December 5, 2024, in Northern Kentucky with his loving family by his side.

Milt was born the youngest of six children to Mittie and Hobert Williamson, in Jellico, TN on May 20, 1939. He graduated from Jellico High School in 1958 where he was recently honored at their Homecoming Ceremony and attended Cumberland College briefly before being drafted into the United States Army during the Vietnam War where he served for six years.

He worked for Ohio Bell his entire career, retiring at 62 after 30 years. He returned to the workforce three months later as a trainer for another 20 years. He enjoyed traveling the country while doing one of the things he loved most – teaching and mentoring others to be better at what they do. He was a shining example of a husband, dad, grandfather, and human.

Milt was a true man of God with unwavering faith. He became a born-again Christian at Meadowdale Baptist Church where he was a member for many years, an ordained Deacon and former member of Crestview Baptist Church, and a current member of Hebron Baptist Church. He was a Freemason of St. John’s #13 Masonic Lodge in Dayton, Ohio, and a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.

Over the years, Milt enjoyed working on cars, was an avid stock car racing fan even helping to build them, rode snowmobiles, and enjoyed cheering on the University of Tennessee Volunteers. He had an amazing memory – he could recite the year songs were released, the make/model/year of a car, as well as how someone was related to someone else and where someone lived in the town of Jellico.

Milt loved his daughters fiercely and was proud to be a “girl dad” before it was cool! He enjoyed trips with his girls whether it was snowmobiling in Grayling, MI, beach trips to Siesta Key, FL, or “break days” which was a day off from school for shopping. He was always there to support his girls at a band or cheerleading performance and never missed an event. He was extremely proud of their accomplishments including their greatest gift of grandchildren. He was the best “Pappy” and “Mimi” and was a huge supporter wherever his grandkids were playing and/or performing. To say he was one of their biggest fans is an understatement. He has always loved being outside and enjoyed countless hours on his back deck and watching the barges on the Ohio River. He enjoyed vacationing as often as possible to Daytona Beach Shores and Gatlinburg all with his lovely bride by his side. He had a zest for life, was always willing to go anywhere, never met a stranger, and lived by a strong set of morals. His smile could light up a room and could make anyone feel valued and welcome.

Milt and Loretta had a one-of-a-kind love and marriage for 63 + years. Their marriage was defined by their love and respect for each other and their faith in God. They exemplified what a marriage and true love looks like. He always said he “preserved her well” with that incredible smile. Their love for each other was so strong and they started each day with an “I love you” and “Happy Anniversary”. During the past two years with his health issues, those days ended with him saying I love you and thank you for taking care of me. Those were his last words spoken to Loretta on Tuesday night before his passing.

He was preceded to heaven by his mother, Mittie Williamson (Hatfield), father, Hobert Williamson, and his five siblings, Woody, Chet, J.H., Hannah Darter, and Mary Vermillion.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63+ years, J. Loretta; his daughters Kimberly Howland (husband Kevin); Brianna Shaw (husband Christian); Tiffany Winchester (husband Todd); his four grandchildren Kaleigh Bleu Howland, Mason William Shaw, Jaxon Reed Witham, and Carter McKinley Shaw; and nieces and nephews Gary Owens, Mary Jo Gray, Mittie Hochstedler, Tommy Vermillion Jr., Cheryl Tidwell, Gail Cleverley, Darrell Vermillion, Donald Williamson, and Carla Arwood: and many great nieces and nephews.

Services will be held at Crestview Baptist Church in Clayton, OH on Saturday, December 14, 2024. The viewing will begin at 10 a.m. with the funeral immediately following at noon. Dr. Michael Christian and Pastor Shawn Dobbins will be officiating. On Sunday, December 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. the interment will be held at Douglas Cemetery in Jellico, TN. Pastor Wayne Barton will officiate. Military graveside honors will be conducted by the Jellico Honor Guard.

The family requests in lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the MDS Foundation or the American Heart Association