05/13/2025
Hugh Hardy Williamson: County and Community Leader (December 27, 1931 – July 24, 1998)
The 7th child born to Mr. Jesse Collins Williamson, who owned and operated a blacksmith shop in Pell City for over thirty years, and Mrs. Elsie Frances (Sides) Williamson, Hugh was a proud son of St. Clair County and was descended from Rev. Jesse Collins, a pioneer and early settler this county, who served as Circuit Clerk from 1834 – 1842 and was pastor of Ashville First Baptist Church, Broken Arrow Baptist Church, and Hopewell Baptist Church.
A lifelong resident of Pell City and member of Pell City First Baptist Church, Hugh graduated from Pell City High School and six months after the beginning of the Korean War, enlisted in the Air Force on January 3, 1951. During the war, he was a radio operator on a KC97, a refueling aircraft, serving under the Strategic Air Command, and was honorably discharged on December 10, 1954. He then earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Jacksonville State University and his Master’s Degree in Education Administration from the University of Alabama.
On November 16, 1952, he married Ms. Amelia Ann Starnes, daughter of Mr. Alfred Gaston Starnes and Mrs. Georgia Louella (Coleman) Starnes at Pell City First Baptist Church, with Pastor J.W. Fagan officiating. The couple would be blessed with forty-five years of marriage and welcomed a son, Gaston Collins Williamson, whom they named for his grandfathers, into the world on January 5, 1954.
Mr. Williamson’s life was dedicated to his community and county. He served as Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent for the county school system, as well as Superintendent and Board Member for the Pell City School System. He was elected to two terms as Mayor of Pell City, from 1976 – 1984 and was actively involved in many civic organizations, such as: the VFW and American Legion, Lion’s Club, and Rotary Club. He was also a member of the Board of Directors for Union State Bank for some 21 years.
Mr. Williamson’s portrait was donated by his son, Gaston, who recalled that he was often heard to say: “Teach everyone the same from the janitor to the CEO; they are all part of your team.”
