Tributes have been paid to Roy Williamson, the former Bishop of Southwark, who passed away early yesterday morning.
Bishop Roy passed away surround by his children in a ‘calm and peaceful’ manner, said Southwark diocese.
The Very Revd Andrew Nunn, the Dean of Southwark paid tribute to the bishop, whom he worked for as his chaplain.
“My time at Bishop’s House was a real privilege,” he said.
“I learnt so much from Roy but mostly a zeal for the gospel and a passion for people.
“Watching him each day respond in appropriate ways – a handwritten postcard to a priest in distress, fitting in a meeting just when someone needed it, walking with people, listening to them – you just knew you were with a person who knew Jesus. He was a blessing to us.”
Bishop Roy, the eighth Bishop of Southwark, was enthroned in 1991 and retired from the diocese in 1998. He had previously been the diocesan Bishop of Bradford.
The Bishop of Southwark, the Rt Revd Christopher Chessun will celebrate a Requiem Eucharist in Southwark Cathedral on Wednesday 25 September, the Feast of Bishop Lancelot Andrewes, at 12.45pm.
A memorial service will follow at a later date.
“I commend Bishop Roy’s family to your prayers as we give thanks for him and all he meant to us,” said Bishop Christopher.
“I was in touch with Bishop Roy and the family during his illness and I know that Southwark Diocese remained dear to his heart.”
I first met Roy in 1959 when I was a curate in Barnsbury, and he was a London City Missionary. He was a truly wonderful friend, and graciously attended a thanksgiving service here at Wyggestons in Leicester 58 years later when on 1st April 2017 we were celebrating 60 years since my ordination, and 60 years of marriage. (our Double Diamond!). My wife Margaret and I will miss his loving letters and phone calls greatly. Dear Roy and Anne. Thank you. They will rest in peace.
I first met Roy when he took up his post as Vicar at St Paul’s, Hyson Green, Nottingham. It was his first parish as incumbent although his previous experience held him in good stead in this deprived area. Roy and Anne were much loved by his parishioners and the local community, and some 60 years later he is still held in high esteem. I will miss his Christmas messages of encouragement and always give my thanks for introducing girls into the church choir which gave me a love of music to the present day. May you rejoice with Anne in your heavenly home.