2016 Regular Session ENROLLED
SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 149
BY SENATOR THOMPSON
A RESOLUTION
To express the sincere condolences of the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana upon the
death of B. Lehman Williamson.
WHEREAS, it is with deep regret and profound sorrow that the citizens of Louisiana
learned of the death of B. Lehman Williamson on September 4, 2015; and
WHEREAS, B. Lehman Williamson was born on August 19, 1935, to Willie Alonzo
Williamson and Irma Tidwell Carter; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson graduated from Bastrop High School in 1953, and
earned state Golden Gloves boxing titles in Louisiana and Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, he continued to box while serving in the United States Navy during the
Korean War and, subsequently, sponsored the Tiger Boxing Club in Baton Rouge, an
organization established to afford young boxers an opportunity to participate in the sport;
and
WHEREAS, upon leaving the military, Mr. Williamson continued his education and
attended Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, New Jersey, and Southeastern Louisiana
University in Hammond; and
WHEREAS, at the time of his death, he was a retired lobbyist and owner of B.
Lehman & Associates specializing in public relations and association management; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson's clientele included the Louisiana Board of Veterinary
Medicine and the Louisiana Consumer Finance Association; and
WHEREAS, one of his favorite lobbying-related passions was opening the doors of
The Quorum Call across from the state capitol to afford legislators, lobbyists, and political
pundits a place to converse; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson was a very civic-minded man and served on numerous
professional organizations and held several positions during his career, including Bank of
the South where he served as a founding member and a board member; and
Page 1 of 3 SR NO. 149 ENROLLED
WHEREAS, he served as president of the Louisiana Jaycees, was a member of the
Junior Chamber International Senate, was vice president for Development for Southeastern
Louisiana University, and was the director of the Louisiana Partners of the Americas
program; and
WHEREAS, in addition to a full career and family life, Mr. Williamson had a
passion for sports at Louisiana State University, taking pride in serving on the coaches
committee and as a season ticket holder for the baseball and football programs; and
WHEREAS, he was an avid reader of science fiction going back to the 1950s and
enjoyed studying genealogy and history, particularly World War II; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Williamson kept honey bees and large vegetable gardens, the fruit
of which he loved to share with friends, and he also loved caring for the many animals on
his farm which, over the years, included sheep, donkeys, goats, chickens, mules, peacocks,
guinea fowl, turkeys, horses, miniature ponies, and countless rescued dogs and cats; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his loving wife of forty-four years, Gayle Kizer
Williamson; and four children, Willie E. Williamson, Ann M. Williamson, Lehman
Williamson Jr., and Barbara W. Reonas; five grandchildren, Chris P. Williamson, Matt B.
Williamson, Michael J. Williamson, Madeleine Ann Reonas, and Will Heaton Reonas; two
great-grandchildren, Annabelle Claire Williamson and Jackson Lee Williamson; and a
brother, Clifton P. Carter; and
WHEREAS, he was preceded in death by his parents, Willie Alonzo Williamson and
Irma Tidwell Carter; a brother, Clarence Harvey Williamson; a son, Michael L. Williamson,
and two grandchildren, Jacob Heath and Aaron Heath; and
WHEREAS, with the death of B. Lehman Williamson, Louisiana has lost one of its
finest sons, a quintessential southern gentleman who loved his community and whose
accomplishments have left an indelible mark upon his community, state, and nation; and
WHEREAS, his passing has left a substantial void in the Baton Rouge community
and a sense of loss in the citizens whose lives he touched, and his memory shall live forever
in the minds and hearts of all those who knew and loved this remarkable gentleman.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Senate of the Legislature of Louisiana
does hereby express sincere and heartfelt condolences upon the death of B. Lehman
Page 2 of 3 SR NO. 149 ENROLLED
Williamson, records for posterity his outstanding achievements, and extends enduring
appreciation for the tremendous pride and honor that he will forever bring to the Baton
Rouge community, the state of Louisiana, and the United States of America.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this Resolution be transmitted to the
family of B. Lehman Williamson.
PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE
Page 3 of 3