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Dr. Cecil Williamson was well-known for his tireless work as a member of the Selma City Council and Pastor at Crescent Hill Presbyterian Church.

Williamson passed away Friday night at the age of 82. Williamson is survived by his wife of 56 years, Peggy Duke Williamson, daughter, Kim McCown, son, Brian Williamson, sister Barbara (Dick) Pomaroll, seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 4, at 2 p.m. at Valley Creek Presbyterian Church with Rev. George McKee officiating and Lawrence Brown-Service Funeral Home directing. The service will be live-streamed online, via the funeral home’s Facebook page at http://watchlawrence.live. Williamson will be laid to rest at a private service at Valley Creek Presbyterian Church Cemetery.

Williamson was first elected to the Selma city council in 1980 and served until 1984. He was elected to the Dallas County School Board in 1996, serving until being elected again to the city council in 2004. He served two more terms until 2012. Between 2010 and 2012, Williamson was Selma City Council President.

Selma City Council Presidents, past and present,  remember Williamson for his hard work and dedication to Queen City residents.

“Dr. Williamson was a skillful and knowledgeable elected official,” former Selma City Council President Corey Bowie said.

Selma City Council President Billy Young praised Williamson for always putting Selma residents first.

“Williamson provided consistent service to the citizens of Selma during his tenure as a Councilman and Council President,” Young said. “I extend my deepest sympathy to his wife and family and pray that they are comforted with peace and good memories.”

Former Selma Mayor George Evans said he enjoyed working with Williamson both as City Council President and  Dallas County School Board.

“At no time did I ever believe he did not have the best interest of the children and employees as a priority,” Evans said. “I further believe he was very devoted to improving and bettering the lifestyle of the citizens.

“Cecil was genuine friend to  me and I appreciated his help, fellowship and friendship. I will truly miss my friend.”

Several Dallas County residents shared their memories of Williamson, born May 15, 1940 to the late Walter Cecil Williamson, Sr. and Jane Owen Williamson.

“Selma, Alabama will greatly miss him,” Jerry Bennett Hatfield said. “We were so much better with him among us. May we all remember and live by the lessons he taught us and the examples he set for us. When he spoke, people listened.”

Added Northside Baptist Church member Kathy Smith: “Cecil Williamson was a big part of Selma and will be missed by many. He was a great   man.”

Kimberly Jones called Williamson one of Selma’s best who will be missed.