Tributes

William Bethell "Chip" Williamson, IV, 62, of Weaverville passed Wednesday, October, 2, 2013 at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta after a brief illness. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was son of the late William Bethell Williamson, III and Elizabeth Gudger Williamson of Asheville. Chip earned his BSBA degree at Mars Hill College and soon after joining his father's insurance business, Schley & Williamson Insurance. Following the death of his father, eight years later, he became president. In 2000, the company merged with Hutton, Vincent Insurance Agency and McLean Agency to form Hutton, Vincent, Williamson & McLean (H.V.W.M, Inc.). Forming one of the oldest and largest Independent Insurance Agencies in WNC and in 2009, they combined with Bankers Insurance. A lifelong member of Central United Methodist Church, he was very active in the church and held many offices. Continuing his Christian life, in 1993 he organized Blueridge Emmaus, which has sponsored over 2000 people in their journey of faith. He spent 15 years being active with the Boy Scouts of America and received the Honor of the Cross and Flame Award for service to youth from the Methodist Church. An active volunteer, Chip began in his early years with the Optimist and Asheville Jaycees. Later on, he became a member of EAGA, Executive Association of Greater Asheville which is a relationship based local business generation group that exemplifies qualities of goodwill and gratitude. Chip was always active in many areas with Independent Insurance Agents of NC, teaching insurance classes and particularly in mentoring future insurance professionals which once earned him Educator of the Year award. Additionally, he was chairman and member of numerous regional and national advisory boards for insurance companies. In addition to his mother, he is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Melanie Nicholson Williamson; daughter, Candace Williamson Wells and her husband, Keith Alan of Weaverville; son, William Bethell "Sonny" Williamson, V and his wife, Chelsea of Concord; two sisters, Ellis Edney and her husband, Greenwood of Mars Hill and Lynn Busby and her husband, Mike of Elgin, SC; brother, David Williamson and his wife, Dionne of Weaverville; two grandchildren, Matthew Alan and Drew William Wells, both of Weaverville and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A memorial service will be held 3:00 PM, Sunday, October 6, 2013 at Central United Methodist Church with Dr. Robert Blackburn, Jr. and Reverend Luke Lingle officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church, 27 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801

Tributes

Mr. William Bethell "Chip" Williamson IV

January 20, 1951 - October 2, 2013