Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My father, Harry E Craig, witnessed the tornado that took the life of Sergeant Oliver Williamson in 1952. My father was called in to work eastern Dyer County roads to help access and clear downed trees and power lines that night, he said at least 6 tornadoes had touched down in Dyer, Gibson, and Crockett counties. After dark, dispatch instructed my father and his partner (I don't recall partners name) to rendezvous with Sergeant Williamson and proceed to clear downed lines east of Dyersberg. On a pitch black rural road in driving rain they made radio contact and agreed to turn on the flashing lights in each car to find each other. Just as my father radioed Sergeant Williamson that he spotted his car on the crest of the hill up the road the radio filled with static which is a sign of a nearby tornado. Dad's partner saw the tornado approaching the road from the east side only because lightning illuminated it in the darkness. It was right upon the road and gigantic, they had to look up to see it tower a thousand feet into the cloud base. My dad radioed a warning to the other car but he thinks static drowned it out and believes Sergeant Williamson never even saw the monster until it was too late - he drove right down into it. My father and partner got out of their car and lay face down into a roadside ditch as the tornado crossed the road. Their car was spun around 180 degrees and slid 20 yards along the road but remained upright facing the wrong way, and most of the water in the roadside ditch was blown out into the woods. The roar was deafening. After the tornado passed they called dispatch for rescue, and they spotted the flashing lights of Sergeant Williamson's car a hundred yards to the west of the road. It took 20 minutes to work their way through the tangle of uprooted trees to reach the car, which was lying on its side, lights on and radio traffic audible through open windows. My dad said the radio microphone wire exited the drivers window, wrapped around the roof and reentered the passenger window, indicating the car had rolled. Sadly, Sergeant Williamson's body was finally discovered about 20 yards from the car. Word of the tragedy spread quickly, and the entire troop was devastated by the loss of one of their own, especially in the line of duty assisting other victims by transporting them to medical care. My dad did not know Sergeant Williamson but his loss had a big impact on him. I have no other details - my father moved to Arizona in 1961 and died in 2005.

Trooper Harry Eugene Craig
I am the son of Patrolman Harry E Craig

August 22, 2022

IN HONORE CASORUM
The promise... Always honored, never forgotten.

Sgt. T. J. Jones
Greater Cleveland Tranist Police Department, Ohio

March 21, 2015

Thank you for your service Sir, You were a true Hero helping people in need. All in a days work for you Sir and you payed the ultimate price doing your duty. RIP

James Kotke
Civilian / Former Officer
WSF Park Police (Wi.)

March 21, 2012

To my cousin, Sgt. Oliver Devard Williamson, son of Luther Williamson and Lucy Adcock Williamson, you will live forever in the hearts and minds of those of us passionate about family history. We honor your service. I remember the night you were killed in the historic 1952 tornado while you were serving in Roellen near Dyersburg, Tennessee. I was a mere child, but remember that my grandfather Benjamin Blackmon Parrish and my uncle Ernest Parrish were going to Dyersburg to ascertain the needs of my grandfather's brother, William Daniel "Tucker" Parrish who was an employee of the Tennessee State Department of Transportation. They had to turn around at Roellen and come back to Medina because the roads were impassable. Little did we know that your life was taken while you were on duty that fateful and devastating evening. God bless you. There are those of us who remember.
Patricia Parrish-Lewis
Dialysis R.N.
Humboldt, TN

Patricia Parrish-Lewis, R.N.
Cousin

January 6, 2012

Another year has passed and you are still admired and respectfully remembered in the hearts and minds of so many. My thoughts and prayers are with your loved ones and friends on this anniversary of your EOW. You will never be forgotten.

James Sheppard
Father of Jason L. Sheppard EOW 12/7/06

March 21, 2010

SGT. Williamson your work on this Earth as we know it is done. You are in God's Hands now brother. May you rest in peace.

SGT. Daryl Brewer
Clarksville Police Dept. Clarksville, Tennessee

December 20, 2009

Your heroism and service is honored today, the 57th anniversary of your death. Your memory lives and you continue to inspire. Thank you for your service. My cherished son Larry Lasater was a fellow police officer who was murdered in the the line of duty on April 24, 2005 while serving as a Pittsburg, CA police officer.

Time never diminishes respect. Your memory will always be honored and revered.

Rest In Peace.

Phyllis Loya

Phyllis Loya
mother of fallen officer Larry Lasater

March 21, 2009

YOU ARE REMEMBERED TODAY AND THANK YOU SIR FOR YOUR SERVICE

VANDENBERGHE
MANCHESTER, NH

February 29, 2008

It's been 54 years tomorrow and you are not forgoten.

Trooper Cory A Russell
Tennessee Highway Patrol

March 20, 2006

Rest easy Troop...

Trooper
Tennessee Highway Patrol

January 30, 2006

I stop by this website often after the death of two dear friends with the NCSHP (Troopers Calvin Taylor E.O.W. October 3, 2001 and Anthony Cogdill E.O.W. May 30, 2003).

We all grieve over the lives lost in the line of duty. I hope you can find some comfort knowing that there are countless prayers that go out for your family.

Sergeant Williamson, you are remembered on this date of your death. You will always be remembered.

God Bless the men and women who continue to serve their communities in our great Nation.

...Gone, but never Forgotten....

Marti (EMT-Paramedic)
Haywood Co EMS (NC)

April 6, 2004