Garry Bruce Williamson

Garry Bruce Williamson passed away January 16, 2026, with his family at his bedside. He is survived by his wife, Maria J. Góes, and his ten children: Andrew Douglas Warner, Bruce Andres Williamson Benavides, Francella Williamson Benavides, Davor Williamson Benavides, Stella de Castro Williamson, Jessica Maria Góes Williamson, Veronica Góes Williamson, Helene Góes Williamson, Elisa Góes Williamson, and Nerissa Góes Williamson. He was born in Indiana on April 15, 1946.

A lifelong academic, Garry held advanced degrees from Purdue University and Indiana University Bloomington with a Doctorate in Philosophy & Biology and Professor Emeritus status at Louisiana State University where he taught for over forty years. His life’s work included not only researching and teaching, but also protecting tropical ecosystems as an environmentalist and activist throughout Central and South America. His work on tropical species and diversity is hallmarked by over one hundred publications and the thousands of students he instructed.

Garry Bruce Williamson was an avid reader, world traveler, and storyteller. His passion for college sports and exercise reflects his time playing basketball at Purdue University. He spoke four languages (English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish) and enjoyed sharing his experience and knowledge with his children and students. As a beloved husband, father, and grandfather, Garry Bruce Williamson’s life is remembered and celebrated by all who had the fortune of knowing him. He lives on through his love and accomplishments. As he wished, his ashes will be spread in the Amazon river he spent his life studying and protecting.