The Life and Legend of Hugh Raymond Williamson Jr.
Hugh affectionately called “Bogie”, was born on January 14, 1948, in Portsmouth, Virginia and took his wings on July 08, 2023, at Mayrview Medical Center surrounded by his family. He accepted Christ at an early age and became a member of St. John Baptist Church in Portsmouth, VA rededicating his life. Although, he was a member at St. John Baptist Church, he served on the music ministry at Family Baptist in Suffolk, VA for an extended period.
He graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1966 where he developed lifelong friends and an appreciation for music. Subsequently, he played the tenor saxophone as a founding member of the Positive Sounds band during high school. He initiated into Kappa Alpha Psi on April 24, 1969, as part of Norfolk State College Chapter Line (Epsilon Zeta) and obtained a bachelor’s degree in music education in 1970 from Norfolk State University.
He started his early career in Connecticut teaching music education for approximately ten years; he loved his students and fellow teachers, which by most accounts provided genuine observations for the love for music. The students frequently voted him “teacher of the year.” While he enjoyed music and teaching, he was always an entrepreneur at heart. He took pride in “working for himself” to take care of his family; therefore, Hugh had many professions throughout his life. Hugh owned several businesses and played in the Good Life Band. He was a devoted father and grandfather who created a nickname for everyone. His children and grandchildren were affectionately known as Baabies, Luface, Black Baby, Baabie Dogs, Street Light, Cool Daddy, and kiddies. He looked forward to visits from his grandkids to entertain them “popping a wheely” while they watched or sitting on his lap. He also instilled in them the love for the Lord and a tolerance for learning music. He had an amazing memory and told repeated entertaining stories loudly, sometimes with a hint of exaggeration. He also had a hobby for fixing things, although, it was time for a “new one.”
In a word, Hugh was strong-willed, independent, and never complained; therefore, he didn’t accept assistance with ANYTHING, even pushing his wheelchair when the path was challenging. His keen intellect drove all his pursuits to successfully “get the job done.” His passion was serving the Lord, spending time with his family music, and investments. He touched everyone he met and took great pride in teaching music and bible scriptures to family/friends and providing wisdom to all who needed it. Hugh will always be remembered for accepting everyone no matter what their issues, race, financial status, or problems. Typically, when Hugh gave advice to friends and family, a famous sentence was always shared “put it in “God’s hands.”
Hugh leaves to mourn his four daughters Aleathea Cumbo (Tony Gordon) of Washington, DC, Midrel Williamson Ward (Geoffrey Ward) of Norfolk, VA, Barbara Williamson Garris (James Garris), and Joque Everett (Arthur Johnson) of Portsmouth, VA. Also left to mourn are four granddaughters Amaris Rice and Justice Headspeth, twins A’ria and Lyric Ward, grandson Kameron Williamson-Garris and two great grandsons Jahmeze Williams Jr. and Jace Williams. Left to mourn also are his siblings two brothers Ramon Williamson Sr. of Kansas City, Missouri, Byron Williamson of Suffolk, Virginia, and one sister Ethel Mayo Courtland, VA.
Hugh was preceded in death by his loving wife Veronica Denise Williamson (Portsmouth, VA), his loving parents Hugh Raymond Williamson and Mildred Williamson (Portsmouth, VA), and his grandchild Jahmeze Williams (Washington, DC). He leaves to also mourn a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
We are honored that God has blessed us with such a loving kindhearted person who never gave up or complained about any obstacles in life. We love you Hugh (Daddy) and We Carry Your Example of Unconditional love and strength with Us always. Know you are loved, Rest in peace.
Condolences(18)-
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Emma Mason says
July 12, 2023 at 9:20 pmLove and Sympathy to the Family. John 5:28, 29
Valerie Franklin says
July 13, 2023 at 1:19 pmMy condolences to his family, especially his daughters. I’m a very old friend. He use to call me Val the Dal.Hey Wunie and Baby D. I was also a friend of Niecey. Your cousin Tina and all th Positve Sounds. Glenn Carver his Dear friend
Deboris Wright says
July 13, 2023 at 5:15 amMy Love And Prayers Are With You All 🙏❤️🙏
LEON BYNUM says
July 13, 2023 at 10:24 amMy sincere condolences for your lost. Praying that God continues to keep you during this time.
The Bynum Family says
July 13, 2023 at 3:32 pmI can imagine how hard this is for you and your family but I’m deeply sorry for your family loss.
My deepest condolences
Joann Bynum and Family says
July 13, 2023 at 3:33 pmI can imagine how hard this is for you and your family but I’m deeply sorry for your family loss.
My deepest condolences
Delmont Neal says
July 13, 2023 at 8:35 pmMy sincere condolences to the family. I was Hugh’s line brother in 1969. I always enjoyed his performances with the Positive Sounds. I hope your memories will console you during this time.
Lenard T Myers says
July 14, 2023 at 2:31 pmI give my condolences to the you at this time. May God’s love and peace cover your family. I was a pledge under your Father. He was always kind and fun to be around. As a Frat brother I remember the fun times we shared. He will be missed but I know he has transition to be with the Our Father. All blessings.
Regina Long Southall says
July 15, 2023 at 4:50 amMy heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Williamson family. My sister and I have know Hugh since childhood. He was a dynamic musician, especially with “ The Sounds”. I am glad I saw him in Atlantic City, New Jersey years ago at the Showboat Casino doing what he enjoyed, playing music. Rest on Hugh until we meet again. Mama Mildred is greeting you with open arms.
Sincerely,
Regina Long Southall
I.C.Norcom Marching Greyhound , Class Of 1966
Regina Long Southall says
July 15, 2023 at 5:02 amMy heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Williamson family. I was sorry to learn of the passing of Hugh Williamson, Jr. who I have known since childhood.
The last time I saw Hugh was several years ago in Atlantic City, New Jersey at the Showboat Casino. He was doing what he loved best, playing music.We both were elated when we got eye contact.
Hugh and I were members of the I. C. Norcom High School Marching Greyhounds Band, Portsmouth , Virginia.
Rest on Hugh until we meet again. Mama Mildred, who taught my sister Jewel, awaits your arrival in heaven with open arms.
Sincerely,
Regina Long Southall
Chesapeake, Virginia
Marjorie Brown says
July 15, 2023 at 11:39 amMy condolences to the family.
My name is Marjorie, he called me Margie. We were cousins. Me and his grandma spent the summers at his house when we were kids. I’d like you to know that you have family that would love to get to know you. You can contact me @ email below.
Mae Hutchings says
July 20, 2023 at 9:25 amOur sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Williamson family. He was definitely the epitome of love . May his legacy and the love that he demonstrated continue in the lives of those lives he touched.
Mae
Mae Hutchings says
July 20, 2023 at 9:27 amOur sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Williamson family. He was definitely the epitome of love . May his legacy and the love that he demonstrated continue in the lives of those lives he touched.
Mae
Theanna Flores says
July 15, 2023 at 11:16 pmGod Bless this family during this time and keep you all in peace. My deepest condolences 🙏🏽
Phyllis Lewis-Miles says
July 16, 2023 at 6:35 pmCondolences to the family. My name is Phyllis Diane Lewis-Miles. I am a cousin of Hugh. My fondest memories of Hugh was visiting him & cousin Mildred in Portsmouth as well as seeing him perform doing what he loved best playing music.
Marilyn Miller Goodman from Peach St. Portsmouth. says
July 17, 2023 at 7:30 pmTo the Williamson Family: I am the sister of George M. Miller,Jr. George passed many years ago. We lived two blocks away from Hugh. They were a tight knit band. They traveled to New York and other cities playing their
‘Positive Sounds’. I remember Hugh as a kind, polite, and caring person. We have lost a man who shared his life with many.
Audrey Wilson says
July 17, 2023 at 11:01 pmMy deepest condolences and prayers go out to the family. My name is Audrey Wilson, my father, Clarence Watson and Mildred Williamson, his mother, were brother and sister. Remembering cousin “Junie” as we called him during the summers spent in Virginia, was always such a sweet and easy-going soul. May he Rest In Paradise til we meet again. ❤️
Karen Moore says
July 20, 2023 at 9:29 pmREST IN PEACE, BOGIE
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