Richard Dean "Dick" Williamson's Obituary
Ponchatoula resident Richard Dean “Dick” Williamson passed peacefully into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father on September 30, 2025, following a prolonged illness. He was born September 9, 1952, in Farmington, New Mexico, the first child of E.L. “Chick” and Trudy Williamson.
The Williamson family moved to the Northshore in the early 1960s, becoming one of the “pioneer” families of Tchefuncte Club Estates. Those formative years deeply shaped Dick’s faith, love of the outdoors, and wide-ranging interests. A member of Covington Presbyterian Church as a child, he developed a strong Christian foundation and, in later years, became a respected Biblical scholar and teacher.
Dick loved Scouting. Weekly meetings at the Tchefuncte Scout Hut and summers at Philmont Scout Ranch cultivated his enduring passion for the outdoors—especially camping and canoeing. He never tired of exploring the natural beauty of the Gulf Coast.
He was a proud graduate of the McCallie School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Except for his time there, Dick spent most of his life in and around New Orleans. Early in his career, he worked on seismograph and surveying crews, and as an oil field diver and tender in the Gulf of Mexico and the North Sea.
He later earned degrees in English and a master’s in film and video from the University of New Orleans. Dick worked as a technical writer and videographer for Subsea International and Tulane University before pursuing doctoral studies at Louisiana State University. He earned a Ph.D. in history, specializing in U.S.–Soviet relations and the Berlin Crisis. His first book, First Steps to Détente: American Diplomacy in the Berlin Crisis (Lexington Books), received wide acclaim in academic circles.
A man of wide-ranging intellect and curiosity, Dick had a lifelong love for the American West, Native American history, science fiction, and history in all its forms. His western mystery collection, Westward Strange: Tall Tales of Western Mystery, was published as the first in a planned two-book series; he was at work on its companion volume, Southern Gothic, at the time of his injury.
Beyond his scholarship, Dick enjoyed playing guitar, cheering on LSU football, nature photography, and collecting old records. An avid swimmer, he swam a mile a day and remained remarkably fit and striking in appearance well into his seventies—still black-haired at 73, never showing a hint of gray. Known for his brilliant, dry wit and quiet goodness, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Dick was preceded in death by his father, E.L. “Chick” Williamson, and his brother, David Williamson.
He is survived by his mother, Trudy Williamson; his sisters, Nan (Herb) Hamilton and Judy (Steve) Blaising; his nephew, Jack Blaising; and his niece, Meg Hamilton.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to his devoted caregivers—Deidre Hart, Anya Bougeois, Kana Williams, and Shirley Long—and to Andra Wilson, who faithfully oversaw all aspects of his care.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home of Covington, Louisiana, is honored to be entrusted with Mr. Williamson’s funeral arrangements. His family invites you to share thoughts, memories, and condolences by signing an online guestbook at https://www.ejfieldingfh.com.
What’s your fondest memory of Richard?
What’s a lesson you learned from Richard?
Share a story where Richard's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Richard you’ll never forget.
How did Richard make you smile?