Tom Frank Williamson, III

Tom Williamson, a long-term resident of Martin, Georgia, originally from Vicksburg, Mississippi died on March 26, 2025. He was 85.

Tom grew up in Valdosta, Georgia where he attended and played football at Valdosta High School. He later earned a BA in accounting at Valdosta State College. He then began a life-long career with Sears Roebuck serving in many managerial positions. There he met his sweetheart, Margaret Bossert, and would have celebrated 48 years of marriage this April 23rd. Tom enjoyed his marriage but also enjoyed being father to Sandy Boyles and Scott Bossert.

Tom soon took on another role as PawPaw to 6 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Most children learned to say PawPaw's name before ever saying Nanny, Margaret, to her disappointment. He was always playing games with them and teaching them how to fish at their lake home. He also taught them to love wrestling on TV to their mother's dismay. PawPaw could do no wrong when it came to his grandkids. They adored everything about him. He dressed up as Santa Claus each year for his Athens, Ga. family and helped assemble all toys the night before Christmas.

PawPaw helped his son-in-law Jim Boyles redo their basement as a party room. He was a skilled carpenter and could build most anything. He was also crafty as a plumber and electrician. If anything needed to be fixed, PawPaw was consulted first.

PawPaw along with Nanny were very social. They had a large group of friends and participated in card parties every month. Along with friends they enjoyed cruises to many places, including the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, London, Paris, Moscow, Hawaii, Alaska and other locations. They also enjoyed couples' bowling. They enjoyed going to Georgia Bulldog football games and tailgating with Sears friends ahead of time.

Tom loved his church, Trinity Lutheran Church, in Toccoa, Georgia. He served as church treasurer for many years. Since it was a small church, they actively took turns cleaning the church and helping with many projects during the years. When he died, he still had his own key to the church.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents, Tom Frank Williamson, Jr. and Geraldine Flanagan Williamson. He is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, his daughter Sandy Boyles (Jim) of Athens, Georgia, and his stepson Scott Bossert (Carolyn) of Ingram, Texas, grandchildren Britt Boyles (Crystal) of Aurora, Colorado, Travis Boyles (Chastain) of Athens, Georgia, Marie Bossert of College Station, Texas, Robert Bossert (Amanda) of Katy, Texas, Michelle Carranza (Joseph) of San Antonio, Texas, Matthew Bossert (Jordans) of Bixby, Oklahoma and 11 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Cleta Wilson (Bobby) of West Monroe, Louisiana, niece Janice Maroney (Gary) of West Monroe, Louisiana, nephew Bill Flowers (Donna) or Palm Coast, Florida, nephew Mike Flowers of Pueblo, Colorado, nephew T. C. Flowers (Mary) of Fort Worth, Texas and numerous great great and great nieces and nephews.

Per Tom's request, he will be cremated and there will not be a service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Piedmont Athens Regional Foundation, 1199 Prince Avenue, Athens, Georgia 30606 to honor his exceptional love and care by the doctors, nurses, and staff at the hospital.

Lord & Stephens Funeral Homes, West, Watkinsville, GA is assisting the family with the arrangements. www.lordandstephens.com