THE FLAGLER TRIBUNE
Bunnell, Florida
Thursday, October 21, 1971

 

Grady Williamson Jr., whose "Youth Variety" dance troupes from Daytona Beach have entertained millions all over the world, died Monday from injuries received in a bus accident in Seoul, South Korea.

Williamson had taken his dance troupe on a 20 week tour which was sponsored by USO. At the time of the accident they were on a tour entertaining servicemen in South Vietnam. A truck collided with the bus on which Williamson was riding.

Miss Minnie Deen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Deen, Bunnell was on the tour with the Williamson dance troupe but she was not on the bus at the time of the accident.

Williamson has taught many residents from Bunnell in his dance studio and has entertained with dance revues in Bunnell.

He has been chairman of the county March of Dimes campaign many times heading organizations which raised more than $200,000 for polio research and related activities.

Each year, he had taken his dance troupes on worldwide tours entertaining servicemen in such far-off places as Japan, Okinawa, Germany, Greece, Crete, Italy, Turkey, Newfoundland, Islands in the Caribbean and elsewhere. The troupes often traveled as volunteers receiving only transportation and expenses.