Frank Heath "Bud and Doc" Williamson, Jr.

     Frank Heath “Bud or Doc” Williamson, Jr., age 81, of Ithaca, MI, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 10, 2026, at his home.
     Per Frank’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and a memorial service will be held at a later date.
     Frank was born in Waterford Township, MI, on May 16, 1945, the son of Frank Heath and Genella S. (Spencer) Williamson, Sr. He graduated from Waterford Township High School with the class of 1963.
     Frank became a seasoned student, graduating from Northern Michigan University and Eastern Michigan University with degrees that contributed towards his pursuit of Veterinary Science. He then graduated from Michigan State University's Veterinary Medicine program in 1973. In 1994, he attended Colorado State University's program in Equine Reproduction.
     In 1974, he was a vet at a practice in Deckerville, then in 1977, he moved to Brown City Veterinary Clinic for his first position as a veterinarian doctor. After four years, he moved to Ithaca and opened his own Veterinarian Clinic. Since February 1979, he has owned and operated Williamson Veterinary Service, and has provided extraordinary care to the large and small animals in the community. He practiced veterinary medicine for over 50 years before his retirement.
     Frank had a passion for horses, especially Arabian horses. He loved trail riding and tending to them. At one point, Frank took care of 18 horses at one time. Opening Day was Frank's favorite time of year. He hunted a variety of animals and traveled west to Montana on many occasions to hunt. Frank enjoyed traveling to Northern Michigan University for football games, mainly to watch the marching band's half time show and critique the cheerleading squad. He was one of the first male cheerleaders for NMU when he attended. When he wasn't outside, Frank always had an old Western movie on his television.
     In recent years, he farmed and baled hay for many people in the Ithaca community. Frank loved to stay active in the community, and prided himself in knowing almost all of his neighbors (for better or for worse).
     He is survived by his son Frank Heath Williamson III, and nephew Christopher Shea. He was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Genella Williamson, Sr.; and his sister Genella Grace Gerardi.
     Memorials may be made to the Gratiot County Fair for Youth. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Ithaca, Michigan.