Joel W. Williamson, 81, passed away May 26 at Elness Convalescent Hospital in Turlock. He was born March 1930, to Winthrop and Lydia Williamson in Merced, Calif. He was raised on the family farm in Merced and enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952. After his 20-year career in the Navy he came back to the family farm and graduated from Merced Jr. College. He retired from the family farm in 1988, and settled in Hilmar.
Joel is survived by his wife, Leona Williamson of Hilmar; daughter, Jody Leahy of Sacramento; step daughter, Roberta Williamson of Hilmar; step son, Michael Ward of Washington; step son, James Ward of Montana; siblings, Fred Williamson of Barstow, Frances Sheffield of Texas, Patricia Tarrant of Texas and Mary Totchkiss of Turlock; seven grandchildren; and eight great grandchildren.
A memorial service to celebrate his life has been held. Please share your memories at  www.allenmortuary.com.