James Williamson

James “Buford” Williamson

James “Buford” Williamson, 88, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in Pikeville, KY. He was born on March 2, 1937, to the late Hylton Howard Williamson and Doris Evans Williamson.

He worked in education for over 35 years, starting as a teacher at Phelps High School before becoming the Director of Pupil Personnel for Pikeville Independent Schools.

Buford always exhibited a servant’s nature, which was best demonstrated through his many roles at First Baptist Church, including deacon and trustee. He also spent 10 years volunteering with the Pike County Rescue Squad.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sibyl Keene Williamson; a brother, Lynn Williamson; a sister-in-law, Bertha Williamson; and an aunt, Maxie Williamson.

He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Williamson of Lexington, KY; his son, Jim (Jamie) Williamson of Pikeville, KY; and granddaughters, Whitney and Haley Williamson of Lexington, KY. He is also survived by his siblings, Don (Wanda) Williamson of Pikeville, KY, and Jennie (Otis) Russell of Jonesville, VA; nephew, Stacy Clevinger of Jonesville, VA; and niece, Kristi (Nolan) Fryman of Lexington, KY; along with a host of other loving family members and friends who will miss him dearly.

Those serving as pallbearers will be: Jeff Coleman, Robert Staggs, Jason Merlo, Frosty Davis, Israel Howard and Dave Compton.

Those serving as honorary pallbearers will be: Earl Jones Jr., Jim Dotson, Eddie Coleman, Johnny Venters, Buddy Beeler, Mike Lusk, Rod Hill, Mike Justice, Dr. Chuck Lowe, Jim Slater, Roy Hamilton, Roger Wagner, Art Herr, Craig Johnson, William Johnson, John Coleman, John Lucas, Jamo Jarrell and Zach Howell.

Visitation will take place at J.W. Call and Son Funeral Home from 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 with the funeral service to take place at First Baptist Church Pikeville at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Burial will follow in the Smith Cemetery at Meta, Kentucky.