Gary Lee Williamson

Gary Lee Williamson, age 80, of Marion, Ohio, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 5, 2026. Born on June 26, 1946, in Marion, Ohio, Gary was the son of William Edward and Anna Elizabeth (Ratterman) Williamson, both of whom preceded him in death.

Known by nearly everyone as "Big Red," Gary was a familiar face throughout Marion. He graduated from Marion Harding High School in 1964, where he was a standout hurdler on the track team and played the Sousaphone in the marching band. He was also a founding member of the Marion Cadets Junior Drum & Bugle Corps.

On February 28, 1992, Gary married the love of his life, Verna M. (Plott) Williamson. Together they shared 33 wonderful years of marriage until her passing on September 29, 2025.

Gary dedicated more than 35 years to Whirlpool Corporation, where he earned an associate’s degree in engineering while working and retired as a Senior Industrial Project Engineer. He was also a proud member of the Whirlpool Softball Team for over 20 years. Nicknamed "Big Red", Gary was known for his powerful home runs, his unforgettable "home run grunt," and the many weekends his family spent cheering him on from the sidelines.

An avid hunter and fisherman, Gary enjoyed the outdoors and proudly displayed many hunting trophies earned over the years. One of his greatest joys was spending five years with the Indy Racing League as an Inspection and Track Official.

Gary was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Verna M. Williamson; his son, Jason E. Williamson; and his stepson, Timothy Hurt.

He is survived by his brother, William (Molly) Williamson; his sister, Karen (Kenny) Kurz; his children, Garry (Carla) Williamson, Wendy (Ryan) Parsell, and Jodi (Juan) Castillo; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; his stepchildren, Raymond (Jules) Hurt and Rodney (Beth) Hurt; three step-grandchildren; four step-great-grandchildren; one step-great-great-grandchild; along with many extended family members and dear friends.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering on Thursday, July 16, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Boyd Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Boyd Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Kildeer Plains Wildlife Area or Community Christian Center of Upper Sandusky.

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