Harvey Eugene Williamson

The Rev. Harvey Eugene Williamson, 87, of Eloy, a minister and also a longtime businessman, died Sept. 16, 2008 at Southern Arizona VA Health Care System in Tucson.


Visitation was from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at J. Warren Funeral Services, Valley Chapel. The funeral was at 10 a.m. Wednesday at First Southern Baptist Church in Eloy, with the Rev. Sammy Kent officiating. Burial was in Eloy Memorial Park.

The Rev. Williamson was born in Carlsbad, N.M. In 1939 he enlisted in Company D, 158th Infantry Regiment, 45th Division, Arizona National Guard. He was called to federal service in the summer of 1942, in the early days of World War II. The unit was sent to guard the Panama Canal. After 13 months he was called back to the States for officer training. After being commissioned, he was sent to Europe with the 99th Division.

He was captured during the Battle of the Bulge and remained a prisoner until the war ended. He later helped organize an artillery battery in Casa Grande and commanded it for about three years. He owned and operated a Signal and Shell service station, Custom Farm Service, a Western Auto store and also farmed. He was ordained as a Baptist pastor in 1980.

Survivors include a daughter, Jacqueline Trobaugh of Globe; a sister, Ethel Porras of Medford, Ore.; four grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jackie, whom he married Oct. 17, 1941; a brother, Hugh Williamson; and four sisters, Allie Briggs, Flora Davis, Opal Wood and Pauline Dustman.

Memorial contributions may be made to: First Southern Baptist Church, P.O. Box 665, Eloy, AZ 85231.