Obituaries

Fred Irby Williamson, known to his friends and family as Irby, passed away on January 18, 2025.
He was 74 years old.

Irby was a resident of Hampton, VA, and a native of North Carolina. He was born on
December 12, 1950. After graduating from Hampton High in 1969, Irby continued his education at
Christopher Newport College, where he received his associate’s degree. He began his
career in 1984 as a shipwright at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard in Portsmouth, VA working
there until his retirement in 2011.

Irby was predeceased by his parents, James Fred Williamson and Mary Wright
Williamson of Hampton, VA, and nephew, Kevin Williamson also of Hampton, VA. He is
survived by his loving wife, Alice Williamson of 32 years; son, Matthew Williamson; and
granddaughter, Le’la Williamson, of Newport News, VA; stepdaughter, Sandra Gunter, of
Hampton, VA; sister Kay Faltot of New Jersey; and his brother, Johnny Williamson of
Hampton, VA, as well as a niece and nephews.

After retiring, he was able to enjoy his favorite pastimes, which included riding his
Harley-Davidson motorcycle, going fishing, and playing dominoes with his friends and
family in his garage. Irby was a die-hard Dale Earnhardt fan, as well as a Washington
Commander’s fan. He also enjoyed reading a good book. Irby thoroughly enjoyed
roasted oysters and a pig roast along with a cold beer. He was often found in his kitchen in
the morning cooking a big breakfast. Irby was known around the area as the guy in the
pickup wearing his bucket hat with the bird feathers tucked in the side. His cheerful
presence and smiling face will be dearly missed by his family and friends along with his
faithful companion Sweet Pea.

Funeral services will be held on January 27, 2025, at 2:00 pm at Peninsula Funeral
Home 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News Va. 23601.