Andrew V. “Gooch” Williamson, 88, a longtime Grays Harbor resident and former dump truck driver with Lakeside Industries, died Wednesday, Feb. 6, 2019, at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington.

Gooch was born on Jan. 13, 1931, in Ocean City, Washington, to Andrew and Elizabeth (Culver) Williamson. He graduated from Moclips High School and on July 28, 1950, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served on the USS Hazelwood (DD-531) during the Korean Conflict. He was honorably discharged a Machinist Mate 3rd Class in May 1954. He returned to Ocean City where he worked for Morrison Logging and fished in Alaska.

On Jan. 15, 1974, Gooch married Patricia Boelter in Reno, Nevada. She resides at the family home in Aberdeen.

Gooch owned and operated his own dump truck and worked for Interstate Asphalt and then for Lakeside Industries.

He was a life member of the VFW, a member of the Ocean Shores Eagles and AmVets. He enjoyed going to casinos, clam digging, shooting, traveling to the Oregon Coast, growing his prized onions, and going to the ‘Y’ 3 times a week. He especially loved the 4th of July “fire in the hole” and watching the Seahawks. He was very fond of the Swedish pancakes at the Aberdeen VFW.

Gooch is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia A. Williamson of Aberdeen; a daughter, Colleen (Bob) Williamsen of Aberdeen; granddaughter, Tara McDonald of University Place, Washington; a brother Leon Williamson of Ocean City, Washington; nieces and nephews: Debbie (Dave) Hunt of Hoquiam, Bob Williamson of Montesano, Shante (Jeff) Nations of Wishkah Valley, Washington, Bobby Williamson of Montesano, and his YMCA and Vets friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Clay Doyle in 2018 and a brother, Fred Williamson.

Per his request, there will be no services. He will be inurned at Sunset Memorial Park in Hoquiam, Washington. Fly with the Angels Papa.

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Twibell’s Fern Hill Funeral Home in Aberdeen, Washington.