Lee Martin Williamson passed away at his home on July 18, 2026. He was born on January 10, 1959, in Hamlet, North Carolina, to John Samuel Williamson, Sr. and Betty Cuthrell Williamson.

Lee was a man who lived life fully and on his own terms. He was passionate, unapologetically himself, and never one to be anything other than exactly who he was. If you knew Lee, you knew his beliefs, his stories, his sense of humor, his strong opinions, and his ability to make an impression that lasted long after he left the room.

Lee loved people, and he loved a good time. He had a way of making gatherings more fun and turning ordinary moments into memories. He was the kind of person you could meet once and never forget.

Known by many names: Daddy, Peepaw, Sidekick, Lee Wee, Pa Lee, and simply Lee, each name represented a different relationship, a different chapter of his life, and the special place he held in the hearts of those who loved him. Whether he was offering advice, sharing a laugh, lending a helping hand, or simply being there, Lee had a way of making people feel valued. Though he answered to many names, they all carried the same meaning: love, respect, and the memories that will continue to live on through the people who knew him best.

Driving was one of the greatest loves of Lee’s life. As soon as he was tall enough to see over the steering wheel, he wanted to be behind it. What started as a childhood passion became a 51-year career in truck driving. The road was more than his workplace; it was where he felt at home. He took pride in what he did, the places he traveled, and the family he built on the road.

That love of the road carried over to his Harley-Davidson motorcycle. Riding gave Lee the same feeling of freedom and adventure that he found behind the wheel. Whether he was driving a truck or riding his Harley, he was happiest when he was cruising.

But more than anything, Lee loved his family, his friends, and God. His faith was an important part of who he was and the way he lived his life. He took pride in his country, valued the people in his life, and treasured the relationships he built over the years. His children and grandchildren were Lee’s purpose in life. Not a week went by that he didn’t tell them how proud he was of them and how much he loved them. They never had to wonder where they stood with him or how much they meant to him.

Lee is survived by his daughter, Heather Moore (David) of Wilmington, North Carolina, and his son, Chalin Williamson (Samantha) of Ellerbe, North Carolina. He was a proud grandfather to Olivia, Lucas, Harrison, Mary-Charles, and Emry.

He is also survived by his brother, Sammy Williamson of Wayne County, West Virginia; his sisters, Claire Brothers (Silas Thorne) of Wilmington, North Carolina, Betty Lynn Warnock (Doug) of Hamlet, North Carolina, and Dr. Cile Williamson (Tom Vinson) of Vass, North Carolina; and the countless friends he called family.

Lee leaves behind a lifetime of stories, laughter, and memories that will continue through the people who knew and loved him. He was one of a kind, and he will be missed in a way that only someone like Lee could be.

Our hearts will forever have a piece missing, but the precious memories we hold, and God’s grace will see us through. Keep on trucking, trucker, and save a seat on those golden streets for us.

A visitation will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 200 Rice Street in Hamlet, on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2:00pm, followed by a memorial service at 3:00pm.

Following the memorial service, family and friends are invited to join together for a celebration of Lee’s life at the American Legion Post 49, 402 Lakeside Drive in Hamlet. In true Lee fashion, all trucks and motorcycles are welcome.