Bobby Lynn Williamson, age 85, of Newbern, TN, passed away on Tuesday, October 5, 2021 at West Tennessee Healthcare Dyersburg Hospital.

Bobby was born on January 23, 1936, in Dyersburg, TN, to the late William Albert Williamson and the late Cora Bell Lewis Williamson. He attended Dyer County Schools and received an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Dyersburg State Community College. Bobby joined the Tennessee National Guard and served from 1952-1953 and also proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1955-1957, serving in Okinawa and Korea.

From 1957-2006, Bobby worked for the City of Dyersburg. He worked with the Dyersburg Fire Department from 1957-1963 and with the Dyersburg Police Department from 1963-2006. From 1969-2006, Bobby served as Chief of Police, retiring on June 30, 2006 (at the time he was the longest serving Chief in the State). Bobby served with the State of Tennessee Probation and Parole Board from 11-7-2007 to 11-10-2008.

He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, where he was the 1963 Past State Trustee and was granted life membership. Bobby was a Director and Past President of Tennessee Law Enforcement Officers Association and was granted life membership. He was also a Charter Member, past Director and Past President and Life Member of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police.

The Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police named the Leadership Award that is given by the Law Enforcement Training Academy for excellence in leadership the Joe Casey, Joe Fowler and Bobby Williamson award in honor of these three chiefs. He was a member of the Masonic Hess Lodge #93 F & AM and on 11-7-11, he was presented with a 50-year pin and received a certificate of lifetime status.

He was a member of Oak Grove Church of Christ and also attended East Dyersburg United Methodist Church and West Dyersburg Church of Christ.

Bobby served on many Boards and Commissions, such as the North West Tennessee Mental Health Board, the Dyersburg Dyer County Union Mission Board, the Dyer County Emergency Communication Board (E911) Charter Member, the City of Dyersburg Weed and Seed Committee, the Dyersburg Dyer County Crime Stoppers Board and a Salvation Army Food Service Volunteer.

On November 28, 2001, Bobby was appointed by Governor Don Sundquist to the Peace Officers Standard and Training Commission (POST), representing the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police. He was reappointed to the POST Commission on January 30, 2003 by Governor Phil Bredesen and served until January 15, 2006. On March 11, 2011, he was appointed to the POST Commission by Governor Bill Haslam as a Civilian Member.

Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 8, 2021 at Fairview Cemetery with Mr. Carl Mills and Bro. Blake Holland officiating. Dyersburg Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

The Williamson's Family will receive visitors from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Dyersburg Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife, Beauton Rogers Williamson of Newbern, TN; a son, Lynn Williamson and wife, Diane, of Newbern, TN; two grandchildren, Lyndi Neal and husband, Chad, and Michelle Holland and husband, Blake; seven great-grandchildren, Steven Armstrong (Caroline), Hannah Pease (Matthew), McKenzie Holland, Noah Neal, Garrison Holland, Carson Holland and Madison Holland; and one great-great-grandson, Greyson Pease.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by two brothers, James Williamson and Doug Williamson; and two sisters, Joella Eudaley and Mary Strawn.

Pallbearers will be Jimmy Williamson, Larry Williamson, Mark Strawn, Tony Strawn Gaylon Reagor and Bob Kirk.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 501 St Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.