Cress Williamson

  Cress Williamson died on July 26th at his home in Sacramento. He was a fourth generation Sacramento native. He was one of two sons of the late Fenton D. Williamson and Elizabeth Cress Williamson. Cress attended David Lubin Elementary School, Kit Carson Middle School and Sacramento High School. He then pursued higher education at U.C. Berkeley, becoming a member of the Alpha Delta Phi fraternity and graduating in 1955.

After college, Cress joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served in Washington D.C. at 8th & I Streets S.E. HIs duties included ceremonial activities and teaching at Marine Corp. Institute. He partook in the Eisenhower Inauguration Parade, Arlington Cemetery services, the Marine Memorial and duty at Camp David. 

Cress's paternal great grandfather, D.L. Williamson, settled in Sacramento prior to 1850. He owned a livery stable in Sacramento on Fourth Street, between I and J Streets. He also owned a ranch thirteen miles East of Sacramento off of Coloma Road, in an area known as Mills Station, which later became Rancho Cordova. D.L.'s son, W.H. Wilson, developed that property into a successful fruit and nut-growing ranch, comprising of 500 + acres.

After college, Cress joined his father, F.D. Williamson, in farming properties located in Rancho Cordova, Elk Grove and Sutter County. Cress then went into the Real Estate business with the Coldwell Banker branch now know as Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis. He later ventured out on his own and started a small real estate company that specialized in the development of commercial and industrial properties in Sacramento, Elk Grove and Carmel, CA.

 Cress was affiliated with the Sutter Club, Grandfathers Club, Del Paso Country Club and Sutter Duck Club, as well as the Capital Club of Monterey, CA. He was an avid fly fisherman and duck hunter. He also enjoyed visiting his homes in Carmel, Lake Tahoe and Palm Desert throughout his lifetime. He was a very fortunate man.

Cress leaves behind three children by his first marriage to Katherine Martens: David C. Williamson of Lodi, Stephen G. Williamson of Sacramento and Elizabeth E. Williamson of Mill Valley. He also leaves behind his niece and nephew, Reed and Jennifer Williamson, daughter-in-law Laura and grandchildren Taylor, Connor and Fenton. Lastly, he leaves behind his long-time secretary/ manager-associate who made his life much easier, Linda Callaway, as well as Sue Jackson, a former wife and good friend. Cress was predeceased by his brother, Fenton Williamson Jr. and his nephew John Williamson. 

Funeral services will be held at East Lawn Memorial Park Chapel on Friday, August 30th at 10:00AM: 4300 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95819.