NEWARK: A funeral service for Dennis Wade "Dr. Pepper" Williamson, 51 of Newark will be held Friday, December 17, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Heath, 525 S. 30th Street, Heath with Pastor Wally McLaughlin officiating. Burial will be in Newark Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Williamson died Sunday, December 12, 2010. He was born March 9, 1959 in Newark to the late Margaret A. (Crouch) Williamson and Leslie Wade Williamson of Newark.

Mr. Williamson was currently employed for the past five years by K.B.R. as a convoy commander. Dennis was a 1977 graduate of Heath High School. He has enjoyed fishing since his youth. He was able to travel extensively and Thailand was his favorite place he visited. He was known by many simply as Dr. Pepper. He spent many hours riding his Harley. He was a former volunteer at the Heath Fire Department. His family remembers him as being ornery and spending time with his family was his most enjoyable pastime.

He is survived by his father and step-mother, Wade and Rachel (Pressley) Williamson of Newark; children, Dustin Wade Williamson and Erron Allen of Newark, Sgt. DJ Williamson of Newark, serving in the U.S. Army in Kuwait, Kaysie Ann Williamson of Newark; sisters, Carol (Timothy) Gienger of Heath, Mary Petty of Newark; nieces and nephews, Heather (Jay) Morrow, Ryan (Jenny) Comisford, Leslie (Greg) Kraning, Maggie Gienger; great nephews, Austin and Zachary Morrow; the mother of his children, Amanda (Ron) Reynolds of Newark.

In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by grandparents Roy and Lorene Crouch, Guy Williamson and Ellen (Nix) Irene.

Calling hours will be observed Thursday, December 16, 2010 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the VENSIL-ORR & CHUTE FUNERAL HOME, 1850 West Main Street, Newark.

The family requests memorial contributions to the American Heart Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home.