Harold David “Butch” Williamson, 80, of Savannah, Ga., and former resident of Newtown, died March 21. He was the husband of Wray Davis Williamson. Born in Charleston, W.Va., December 18, 1934, he was the son of the late Alma Kinder and Harold Donovan Williamson. 

After overcoming several bouts of rheumatic fever during his childhood, Butch became the World Champion of the 1950 All-American Soap Box Derby.  He was a devoted member of the Class of 1953 at Stonewall Jackson High School in Charleston and a 1959 graduate of the University of South Carolina, where he received his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. 

He began his career in Savannah with Union Camp and worked for the company in Chicago, Ill., Monroe and Kalamazoo, Mich., and Newtown. The family lived on Queen Street for 12 years.

In 1980, Mr Williamson returned to Savannah, where he completed his career with Union Camp/International Paper.

He enjoyed time on the waterways and creative building projects.

Mr Williamson was active in church and community life, and was a vehement advocate of conservation, especially energy and water. 

His wife of 56 years; his five daughters, Susan, Nancy, Amy, Ann, and Margaret; and his 13 grandchildren, Miller, Sarah Katherine, Emma Wray, Mary Alston, Mallory, Sam, Davis, Savannah, Henry, Charlie, Martha, Turi, and Nesrin, survive Mr Williamson. He was preceded in death by his parents, and siblings Mary, Don, and Dolores.

The service celebrating his life will take place Saturday, April 11, at 11 am, at Christ Church Anglican, 2020 Bull Street, Savannah, where Mr Williamson was a dedicated member.

Memorial donations may be made to Christ Church Anglican, St Vincent’s Academy Chorus at www.svaga.net, or Yosemite National Park Conservancy at www.yosemiteconservancy.org.