Samuel Williamson

Samuel Williamson, 71, of Westfield, Indiana passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at IU North Hospital in Carmel, Indiana.  

Sam was born on October 1, 1953, in Armagh, Northern Ireland and resided in Birmingham, England during his childhood and young adult years. From a young age, Sam had a knack for adventure, often braving snowy mountains for hikes in the Lake District of England. After his school age years, Sam’s sharp mind and love of problem solving caught the eye of the Midlands Electricity Board, who sent him to Birmingham Polytechnic Institute to study electrical engineering. After graduation, he worked with the MEB as an engineer until moving to America in 1981. 

Sam moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, in September 1981 with his beloved wife Lisa and their son, Mark. Sam joined Entergy, New Orleans, leveraging his knowledge of European electrical systems to keep the French Quarter’s lights shining. Over 35 years, he served in roles spanning engineering, safety, and alternative energy. Whether restoring power after storms or illuminating complex problems, Sam was a light in every room bringing energy, wisdom, and warmth to those around him. His leadership shone brightest during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. During the storm, Sam served as the Director of Operations for Entergy Louisiana, and he played a pivotal role in bringing power and hope back to South Louisiana after the storms’ devastation. He was extremely respected in his knowledge of the electrical grid system in New Orleans and many of his programs and drawings are still used today by the next generation of engineers. 

While living in New Orleans, Sam and Lisa expanded their family with the birth of their daughter Shannon to make their family complete. Sam was an active Deacon and Elder at Carrollton Avenue Church of Christ. He used his love of music to start a choral group and led worship, where he truly felt connected to serving God. Sam was also a passionate mentor for the youth group at Carrollton where he connected and helped guide teens on their walk of faith leading many retreats and camping trips. 

Sam was passionate about showing visitors the vibrant culture and food of the Crescent City. He enjoyed trying new restaurants and new types of food. He appreciated learning how to make some of his favorite dishes himself and you could always find him looking for recipes to try and recreate an exciting new dish. Some family favorites he perfected and enjoyed making were Beef Bourguignon, Paella, Chicken Tikka Masala, and all types of seafood. Sam’s hands were never idle, pouring his love and precision into home projects, including remodeling bathrooms, tiling floors, constructing a gorgeous multi-level deck, and even building a 17-foot wooden lobster boat. Although Hurricane Katrina derailed the project, Sam generously donated it to the Wooden Boat Museum in Covington, Louisiana where it continues to serve as a teaching tool for students learning the art of boat building and repair. 

Life took Sam and Lisa many places over their 46 years together, but his heart and home were always wherever he shared life with Lisa, his one true love. They shared many adventures together from their early years together in Birmingham, England, through decades spent in New Orleans and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to their retirement in Indiana. Some of Sam’s most treasured memories were spent in the Great Smoky Mountains, a place he cherished for its beauty and peace, including his honeymoon with Lisa and special family gatherings shared with family near and far, including cousins from England. 

Sam’s passion in life was music. You could always hear him humming or singing a tune, especially his favorite song “Goodness of God.” He had a baritone voice that was beautiful to listen to. In younger days, Sam taught himself how to play the guitar and banjo where he learned to play his favorite genre music, Bluegrass, and often would serenade Lisa with love songs and oldies from their dating years. 

Sam’s greatest joy was being with his family. In retirement, he often spent time in his office, sharing his passions with his grandchildren—teaching them everything from how to use a calculator and explore the mysteries of magnets and aliens, to flying drones and mastering chess. His presence is deeply missed by his cherished grandchildren Janeyaih, Kris, Gabby, Clayton, and Autumn. Throughout his life, Sam was a dedicated Christian and loving Husband, Father, Granddad, and friend to many. He leaves behind a legacy of love, humor, resilience, generosity, and joy that will be greatly missed. 

Sam is survived by his loving wife, Mary ‘Lisa’ (Milstead) Williamson of Westfield, Indiana; daughter-in-law, Tracy Williamson of Westfield, Indiana; Grandchildren, Janeyaih and Clayton Williamson; daughter, Margaret Shannon (John) Williamson-D’Antoni of New Orleans, Louisiana; Bonus Son and Daughter Cameron and Kristy Watts of Westfield, Indiana; Grandchildren, Kris, Gabby, and Autumn Watts; Mother in Law, Julia (Thornton) Milstead of Florence, Alabama; Sister in Law Leta Milstead of Florence, Alabama; and his Beloved Friends, John Sharkitt, Dwight and Dawn Beaty; Larry and Angie Maples; Alan and Donna Eldridge; and many cousins loved from England and Ireland. 

Sam was preceded in death by his Granny, Margaret Williamson; Son, Samuel ‘Mark’ Williamson; Father-in-Law, Robert (Bob) Milstead; and Brother-in-Law, Larry Milstead. 

In honor of Sam’s legacy and love for ministry, and in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the Churches of Christ Disaster Relief at www.disasterreliefeffort.org/donate or by mail to PO Box 111180, Nashville, TN 37222-1180. This organization brings hope and healing to so many after deadly natural disasters, including to Sam and his family, friends, and colleagues, after Hurricane Katrina. 

Condolences: www.randallroberts.com