Mr. Ralph Edward Williamson (also known as our PAPA BEAR!) departed this earthly life on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. He was born on August 20, 1934, in High Point, NC to the late Ralph William Williamson and Virginia Dare Harris Williamson. In addition to his parents, he was proceeded in death by his wife, Helen Sturdivant Williamson and one sibling, Margaret Hammond.
Ralph graduated from William Penn High School in 1953. He then attended NC A&T State University and graduated with Cum Laude Honors and was awarded his engineering degree.
He dedicated many years doing mechanical engineering work and built transmissions and was known for his expertise in all types of automotive, electrical, and technological work. Ralph could fix or create anything!
Ralph will be remembered for leading tons of souls to Christ through transporting people to church every week and taking people to tent revivals.
Leaving to cherish his memories are five daughters, Debra Williamson, Laverne Kelubia (Smart), Angela Williamson, Renee Williamson-Coleman (Charles), and stepdaughter, Vanessa Sturdivant; eleven grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren and a host of other family members and friends.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 12:00 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. Interment will be held Monday, January 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Carolina Biblical Gardens.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Funeral service will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at Phillips Funeral Service Chapel. The family will receive friends at the chapel from 12:00 p.m. until 12:30 p.m. There will be no viewing on Friday, January 9, 2026.
Final arrangements are entrusted to Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.
Praying for the Williamson Family From the Witherspoon Family ๐๐ญ๐ญ๐งด๐งค๐๐น๐ฏ
Sending prayers and condolences to Adrian and the family. I never met Mr. Williamson but heard great stories about him. Stay blessed through hard times.
Crystal Eury Nichols and Eury family
Papa bear for over 30 years you've been my best friend. We have so many memories, we have laughed and we have cried every New Year's Day we called each other to say that we've made it again. But this year you and God did your big one. Papa Bear in the Bears Den... Othen Imitated,Never Duplicated. And he'd always tell you ..if you see me fighting a bear ๐ HELP THE BEAR Rest in Peace
I remember Mr Ralph because he was a dear friend of my father, Chester Mebane who also lived on Wendell St. I've thought about him often over the years because he was SO kind. My sincere condolences to his family.
Our condolences to the Williamson Family, Mr. Ralph has always been a joyous man, his presence will truly be missed. As a child growing up on the Southside everyone knew Mr. Ralph and his wife, He and my dad would go fishing together he was duly known as Transmission Ralph by many if it was broken he could fix it. Your smile ,laughter and Joy will always live on in my heart and in the heart of many that knew him. Weeping May Endure for a night but Joy cometh in the morning
Our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. We remember Mr.Ralph as little kids,we went to his home many times with Mrs.Mary and Charles Gideon. Later I life he and his Red Pickup truck was well known on Wendell Ave. Rest In Paradise Mr.Ralph,you will be missed.
I, have known Mr Ralph since I was 9 yrs old, and he was always kind to the children, I live in Ga now and every time I come to highpoint I would always go to see Ralph, and do whatever he needed me to do for him, I will truly miss his happy sprit,RIP Ralph you deserve it love you
Sending Our Condolences To The Family ๐๐๐๐
Renee, as I express my deepest condolence, it is my prayer that God strengthens you and your family. May the Soul of your Father Rest in Peace.
To The Williamson Family... My Deepest Condolences To You....Mr Ralph and his family lived right in front of us (McBee Family)...On Wendell Street Many Years Ago... I remember his daughter when I was a little girl... In My Older Days he used to drive a church bus and come through Daniel Brooks and pick up the kids that wanted to go to church... later on in life I would see him in passing up and down the street.... And I just got word that he had passed... Sorry To Hear About His passing...Mr Ralph was a very good man... Rest In Peace ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๏ธ๐๐๐.. Family Remember The Good Times You Had With Him ๐๐๐....God Bless You ๐๐
Ms . Harriet sending our love and Condolences to you and the family in the passing of Mr . Ralph.May you find comfort in knowing he's resting.. Cynthia Walden
Sending Prayers and Condolences to each and Everyone of the Family. You have ran your race Sir and you are going to truly be missed by us down here. Take your Rest in Heaven and I will always Cherish your Friendship and Gratitude for me Sir.
Prayers to the Family of Mr. Ralph . Rest in God's Peace and Rest In his Loving Arms. Robin Kennedy and Family.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.