Roll Call Tribute

Michael Christopher Williamson 

September 2, 1947 - March 19, 2025 

Michael Christopher Williamson passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, March 19, 2025, after battling cancer for several years.

Chris was born on September 2, 1947, in his favorite city, Austin, Texas, and reveled in being the little prince of the family for two and a half years until his younger brother Kelly was born. The family moved to Carthage, Texas in 1956, and he spent the next ten years there before graduating from Carthage High School in 1966. He attended Allen Military Academy, where his father was executive vice president, and Texas A&M University before returning to Austin and graduating from the University of Texas in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science degree from the School of Architecture, with a major in Interior Design.

His love of the interior design field led him to purchase a design studio, which he named Christopher's, in 1975, and for the next forty years he helped many clients, friends, and family members find the perfect aesthetic for their spaces. He was a visionary who had a passion and talent for restoring historic buildings and helped remodel and decorate several family residences. These included West Hill and West Hill Carriage House in Austin, constructed by Abner Cook, who also designed and built the Governor's Mansion; the Field Cottage, c. 1855, in Carthage; and the Tudor Revival designed by Carl Gregory on Lindsey Lane in Tyler.

He was an accomplished pianist and would often provide impromptu concerts. He always had a fondness for Siamese cats and usually had one or two peering at your from atop a staircase or bookshelf, investigating your every move. He had a creative and unique sense of humor and could make almost any moment fun.

Chris was preceded in death by his parents, William Travis Williamson and Dr. Helen Keith Chapman Williamson, and his brother, Patrick Kelly Williamson. He is survived by his niece, Elizabeth Victoria Kittrell and her husband Paul, niece Anna Claire Williamson, and nephew Gavin Chapman Williamson. He is also survived by his cousins Tim Jones, Clay Chapman, Doug Williamson, Elaine Branham Councille, and Clint Branham.