Odell Williamson dies at 90

BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) – Developer Odell Williamson died over the weekend at the age of 90. Family members say he died peacefully at home.

Williamson lived at Ocean Isle Beach. According to the Williamson Realty, Inc. website, little is known about Ocean Isle’s early years, when it belonged to a variety of people, none of whom had a clear direction for the island. Until the 1950s, the island was little more than a family getaway for those who owned sprawling expanses of oceanfront vacation property. In 1953, Mr. Williamson purchased the entire island, incorporating it into the town of Ocean Isle Beach in 1959.

A giving man with a passion for education. That’s how some Brunswick County community members remember Williamson. Many say Mr. Williamson dedicated his time, energy and money to making education a possibility to Brunswick County residents.

Williamson leaves behind a legacy in Brunswick County and especially at Brunswick Community College.
The auditorium at BCC is dedicated to Mr. Williamson because of his generous donations to the college and his love for the arts. The college also has a scholarship fund named after him which helps give financial aid to Brunswick County residents.

The faculty and staff at Brunswick Community College say Williamson truly had a heart of gold.

“He’s been an icon in Brunswick County, and for many many years him and the Williamson family cared so much about this college and really all of Brunswick County. They’ve given tremendous assistance to the arts, to the students and to this facility here,” BCC president Stephen Greiner said.

Williamson was also a developer in Brunswick County, so he was very well known throughout the county.

Williamson was 90 years old.