Issue link: https://alabamapower.uberflip.com/i/1424696
27 golf. I don't hunt or go fishing. I'm into cars." Well, cars and bikes. He recently sold a 2012 BMW 550i and a Harley-Davidson Low Rider. He keeps a 1925 Model T at the house he lived in most of the time before his hip injury. Ginger and Ullman both have black Mercedes in the driveway of their second home, which are parked next to a Denali pickup. His unusual first name comes from Dr. Dan Ullman, who delivered Williamson and his four brothers. Ullman has two daughters from his first marriage: Brooke Williams and Shaye Mihich. Ginger has a daughter in Georgia, Dr. Bridgette Guthrie, who is married to Dr. Greg Guthrie. The Williamsons have eight grandchildren (four boys and four girls) and have been married eight years, though they've known each other most of their lives. Together they've adopted cocker spaniels J.R. and Sue Ellen, and Shih Tzus Cocoa and Bama. "They're just like family," Ullman said. Williamson has lived in the same area for most of his life. His parents' house was on 6 acres along Highway 280 in Chelsea. "I was raised right there and I know everyone around there," Williamson said. "We used to play out where the Publix is now." After graduating from Chelsea High School in 1969, he had no intention of going to college: Williamson said his career choice was between TCI and APC. "Everyone told me you better go with Alabama Power Co.," he recalled with a smile and the still- fresh memory of his first day on the job. "They put me out there with Max King. It was so hot I thought I'd died and gone to hell. It was so hot! I knew I was at the wrong place. I thought, 'What have I got myself into?' The farther they took me inside, the hotter it got, right up to around the boilers." Soon he was moved to night shift and cooler locales within Gaston. Alabama Power took over operations in 1974 and Williamson got a pay raise and better boots: steel-toed, waterproof ones furnished annually by the company. "All the years I've had now with the power company, I wouldn't take nothing for it," he said. "And I tell you this, write it in bold letters, the power company is safety first. My first project Williamson uncovers one of his pristine vehicles. PHOTOS BY PHIL FREE