Williamson Family Creates Fund as a Way to Continue Philanthropy Through Future Generations

Amy and Jack Williamson exemplified the spirit of philanthropy throughout their lives. After Jack’s father, Bill Williamson, passed away, the couple launched the Bill Williamson Memorial Golf Tournament, raising funds for prostate cancer research. For nine years, the tournament became a beacon of hope for many. Tragically, Jack died suddenly in December 2022, leaving Amy to navigate a future without him. Driven by a desire to honor Jack’s memory, Amy sought a way to continue their legacy of giving.

Amy reached out to East Tennessee Foundation and decided to establish a field of interest fund focused on supporting those affected by illness, particularly cancer, heart disease, and dementia—diseases that had deeply impacted their family. Thus, the Jack Williamson Family Heartfelt Fund was born. Amy was certain that Jack’s name should grace the fund, a tribute to his generous spirit. After his passing, Amy began noticing oddly shaped hearts everywhere, inspiring the fund’s logo—a uniquely shaped heart.

The fund’s name, “Heartfelt,” perfectly encapsulates Jack and Amy’s approach to giving: everything they did came from the heart. This heartfelt tradition is now being passed down to their children, Tyler and Blaine. The Williamson sons, having witnessed their parents’ commitment to philanthropy, are actively involved in the fund. Amy emphasizes that their giving isn’t motivated by tax savings; it’s about blessing others and creating a lasting impact.

The Jack Williamson Family Heartfelt Fund wasn’t born out of tragedy, Amy insists, but out of love and a desire to give generously across generations. Through this fund, the Williamson family continues to touch lives, embodying the true essence of generational giving.