Floyd Dean Williamson

FLOYD DEAN WILLIAMSON passed away on Wednesday, July 26 in Little Rock. He was born on Dec. 16, 1923 in Buckville, Ark., the third of five children born to the late Ruth Ella and Joseph Henry Williamson. He was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Mary Alyce Saeler Williamson and all of his siblings, brothers Robert, Earl, Gary, and sister, Jo Helen Cook. Dean and his family moved from Buckville to Hot Springs, Ark., in the late 1920's. After graduating from high school he entered the army and from there attended Henderson State Teachers College. He earned his B.S. degree in Education in 1950 and met the love of his life, Mary Alyce Saeler. They moved to Little Rock where Dean began his successful career as a Realtor for Block Realty Company. Whether it was innate or the result of living through the Great Depression, Dean's ambition and drive were legendary. The Block brothers recognized he was a born salesman and gave him a job. He was their top salesman for 22 consecutive years. Dean's motto was "work hard, play hard". When he wasn't working Dean loved to hunt and fish. He spent countless hours at the Poor Boy Duck Club near Humnoke, the Speer Deer Camp near Star City, and the Old River Fishing Club east of Little Rock. He also went on many hunting trips to south Texas and New Mexico with his brothers. Dean passed on his love of hunting and fishing to his son, son -in-law, and grandsons. After he retired in the early 1990's he and Mary began to travel the world. They visited Europe, South America, the western US and his favorite, Alaska. Dean also loved to garden. One part of his backyard was for flowers, the other for vegetables. He frequently clipped bouquets for Mary and gave away lots of cucumbers. Dean loved his family. He was a tough, but loving father and a superb grandfather. He drove and enormous SUV longer than he should have so he could fit all his grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, DeeDee (Walt) Dickinson of Little Rock; son, Dr. Tony Williamson of Butte, Montana; six grandchildren: Ian (Amanda) Williamson, Dr. Mary (Jay) Neeson, Sara Williamson, Walt Dickinson III, Mary Dickinson, and Will Dickinson. Two great-grandchildren, Callie Williamson and Colton Williamson. The family would like to express their gratitude to his caregivers, Vernette Freeman, Yvette Colbert, Theretha Jackson and Ashley Freeman. Visitation will be Monday, July 31 from 10-11 a.m.at Ruebel Funeral Home. A graveside service will immediately follow at Roselawn Memorial Park. Arrangements under the direction of Ruebel Funeral Home, www.ruebelfuneralhome.com.