Orangeburg County has focused in April on promoting the Community of Character trait "sincerity.''

Sincerity is defined as the quality or condition of being sincere; presenting no false appearance; honest, natural, unaffected and unfeigned.

Since the inception of the character program two years ago, a different trait has been promoted each month, and the initiative has involved government agencies, schools, industries, businesses, the media and citizens in developing ways to strengthen positive characteristics throughout the county. For the first time, a husband and wife have been chosen as representatives for a specific character trait.

The Downtown Orangeburg Revitalization Association, the Orangeburg County Development Commission and The Times and Democrat recognize Dr. and Mrs. Richard Williamson as a couple demonstrating sincerity in their individual everyday lives.

Dr. and Mrs. Williamson are well known and greatly respected in the Orangeburg area. They are described as a couple that cares about others.

Dr. Williamson is a partner with Williamson, Gillespie and Erickson Gynecology & Obstetrics, and Tara Williamson is employed as a business and computer technology group teacher at Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College.

It was impossible to interview Dr. Williamson for this article as he was dashing from patients' examining rooms to the hospital delivery room where newborns were making their debut. He did manage to say that he was deeply touched and felt greatly honored to be recognized as a Community of Character nominee.

When asked about the Family Committee's nomination of Dr. and Mrs. Williamson, David Bixler, senior vice president at The Regional Medical Center of Orangeburg and Calhoun Counties, replied, "We receive many comments about how genuine and caring Dr. Williamson is, not only to his patients, but also to their families. Dr. Williamson certainly exemplifies the character trait of sincerity."

Having previously worked with Dr. Williamson, Nancy Ayers explained that Dr. and Mrs. Williamson are dedicated to church work also.

"Dr. Rick Williamson served with me on the staff-parish relations committee at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, and I remember his dedication to the effort and his earnestness and candor regarding challenges that arose," Ayers said. "More recently, Mrs. Williamson's talents have been directed to our children's co-ordinator responsibilities, and she will serve as co-director of the 2002 vacation Bible school."

To her co-workers, Tara Williamson is noted for her many acts of kindness as well as sincerity.

"Tara has worked at O-C Tech, teaching in the business and computer technology group for the past five years. She has taught keyboarding and microcomputer applications," said June Sloop, computer technology instructor at O-C Tech. "She possesses a sweet nature and genuinely cares about her students. Tara strives to help students learn and identifies with them because she is also taking classes to advance her knowledge of computers. She also enjoys bringing homemade goodies to share with office staff. Genuine, honest, natural -- all the words that describe sincerity, describe Tara Williamson."

There have been many testimonies concerning Dr. Williamson's wonderful bedside manner. From his patients to co-workers and friends, he is lauded as an individual who is dedicated to helping others. His concern for community involvement is noted by the local Rotary Club.

A member of the Orangeburg Rotary Club's board of directors, Williamson oversees organizations such as Polio Plus and Gift of Life.

Jake Shuler, Rotary Club president, said Williamson is indeed worthy of the Community of Character nomination and that sincerity is a characteristic that is evident in every aspect of his life.

"I have known Rick Williamson a number of years and can honestly say that sincerity is very much a part of his life," Shuler said. "The sincerity that he demonstrates in everyday situations helps patients and their families deal with crisis situations. My daughter suffered a miscarriage, and Dr. Williamson ministered to the family and helped her and her husband get through the ordeal. He also delivered my grandson which makes Rick a very special person to me."

"As a couple, Dr. and Mrs. Williamson can be counted on. The Family Committee of the Community of Character Initiative are proud to nominate them as this month's representatives of sincerity," Ayers said.

T&D Staff Writer Sonja Gelaton can be reached by e-mail at sgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5523.

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