Ashlin "Tunney" Williamson

Ashlin "Tunney" Williamson, age 84, retired farmer, passed away at his home in Austin, Texas on May 23, 2011. He was born on September 17, 1926, in Blytheville, Arkansas to Blan H. and Reba Williamson. He grew up on a farm near Cooter, Missouri and graduated from Cooter High School in 1944. He attended the University of Missouri. His wife of 62 years, Alice Wicker Williamson, daughters, Jan Dunkerson of Rose Bud, Arkansas, Karen and Nick Tepovich of Houston, Alecia and Gary Lybrand of Soldotna, Alaska and his son and daughter-in-law, Barry and Holly Williamson of Austin, Texas survive him. Seven grandchildren, Kim and her husband Kevin Smith, Loi Chambers, Alison Mellon, Tim Lybrand, Patrick Lybrand, Holt Williamson and Ashlin Williamson, and two great grandchildren, Kyli Smith and Keith Smith, also survive him. His sister, Dorothy Harper of Cooter, Missouri and youngest brother, Harold Williamson of Tyler, Missouri also survive him. Son, Tracy Williamson, his parents, brothers, Blan Williamson, John Williamson, Frank Williamson and his son-in-law, Darrell Dunkerson, precede him in death. He is also survived by many other relatives and friends. He married Alice Wicker of Steele, Missouri on December 26, 1949. They moved from Missouri to Snow Lake, Arkansas in 1957. The family later moved to Elaine, Arkansas in 1964. Tunney and Alice moved to Austin, Texas in 2008 to be near family. He was a believer and active member of the Cypert Church of Christ. He was President and member of the Elaine School Board for over 30 years. He headed the Elaine Little League for over 40 years. He served on the Arkansas State School Board Association and was elected its President. He was active in Boy Scouts for over 25 years, serving on the Eastern Arkansas Area Council, and was awarded the Silver Beaver. He was an active member of the Elaine Kiwanis Club. He loved baseball. He loved his community and mentoring children. His baseball playing days were cut short when he lost his pitching arm in a car wreck at the age of 15. He got to live out his passion for baseball and kids through the lives of literally hundreds of little leaguers, scouts and school children of Elaine, Arkansas. He lived a joyful life. He was blessed and was truly a blessing. The family will receive visitors at Roller Citizens Funeral Home on Sunday, May 29th, between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, May 30th at Roller Citizens. Graveside services will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. A reception for all friends and family will be held in Elaine immediately thereafter. Arrangements by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, 508 E. Plaza Street, West Helena, Arkansas 72390. (870) 572-2571. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.