Reverend Billy "Bill&Quot J. Williamson

Bill Williamson, 86, passed into his heavenly estate last Sunday after a brief illness. He lived his life serving his Lord Jesus Christ, and shared his love of Christ with everyone he met. His life was an example of humility in word and deed as he served God all across southern Minnesota and especially within the Rochester and Winona communities. Funeral services will be held at Emmanuel Baptist Church, 2911 18th Avenue NW, Rochester, MN at 11:00 AM on Saturday, February 25, 2017. Services will be officiated by Rev Dr Leo Endel, the pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Rev Dr Steve Melvin and Rev Paul Melton will direct the music. Visitation will be on Friday, February 24, from 5:00-8:00 PM at Ranfranz Vine Funeral Home, and also one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood East Cemetery. Billy James Williamson was born on August 30, 1930 in Eunice, Louisiana to Rev M. E. and Myrtle (Lee) Williamson. He died on Sunday, February 19, 2017 at St Marys Hospital. Bill graduated from Baylor University in Waco, Texas and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He served as a pastor and chaplain in several locations in Texas before God called him to Rochester, MN as pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church (1960-1964) and chaplain at Mayo Clinic Hospitals (1960-1977). Additionally, during that time he founded and pastored Valley Baptist Church in Winona MN, which later became Cornerstone Community Church. He then served as Director of Missions in Pioneer-Western Baptist Associations from 1977-86. He then became Director of Chaplaincy/Minister of Church Relations and Chaplain at Mayo Clinic Hospitals, from 1986 until 1992 when he retired from full-time service. Bill loved spending time with both his immediate family as well as his extended family. During his years in Minnesota, Bill learned to love the outdoors and took the family on many adventures in northern Minnesota and across much of the US. Survivors include his wife, Sarah (Pitschmann) Williamson of Rochester; four children, Richard L (Linda B) Williamson of Oronoco, David Williamson of Rochester, Gail E Williamson of Rochester, and Daniel (Ann) Williamson of Chanhassen. He was also proud to claim his six grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers, and two sisters. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Burress-Littleford Memorial Fund of the Minnesota-Wisconsin Baptist Convention or to Emmanuel Baptist Church. Arrangements are being handled by Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes 5421 Royal Place NW Rochester, MN 55901 (507) 289-3600 www.ranfranzandvinefh.com