Friend, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and exemplary spiritual leader, Thomas Jerry Williams died peacefully in his home on May 8, 2017 after a five year struggle with myelofibrosis. He was treated at Memorial Herman/Memorial City and MD Anderson.  The physicians and staff at both hospitals were compassionate, caring and explored many avenues of treatment through the years to try and curtail the progression of the disease. 

For over fifty years, Tom served in Texas Baptist churches, including Tye, Weatherford, Kermit, Pasadena, and El Paso.  His responsibilities included Minister of Music, Youth Minister, Minister of Education and Administration. He was the Administrative Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Houston for 19 years.  The last 15 years of his ministry was with South Main Baptist Church in Houston, where he served as Administrator and Minister to Senior Adults.  It was during his initial visit to South Main Baptist Church that he was heard to say, “This church is a jewel set in the heart of Houston that needs to be polished.” For the next 15 years, he began to polish that jewel, making it shine, sparkle and become even more beautiful.  Each of these churches provided opportunities that were stepping stones paving the way for the impact his ministry had on those he encountered.  Tom left an indelible and lasting impression on the lives of everyone he knew. He loved beautiful things and was artistically gifted.  His attention to detail, his appreciation for excellence and his ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary will live on in the memories of all who knew him.  He found joy and satisfaction in serving others, working behind the scenes and quietly bringing changes where needed. 

His deep faith manifested itself in his life. An untold number of people were encouraged, guided and provided with resources that enabled them to move towards a more productive life.  A servant at heart, he generously gave his time, love and compassion to anyone who was in need.

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Burlon and Katholeen Williams of Big Spring Texas. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Carolyn Williams, his two children, Reagan Williams and his wife Elyse of Houston, and Chad Williams and his wife Laurie of Brentwood TN, his 4 treasured grandchildren, Connor, Alexander, Chelsea, and Max, sisters Nelda Jones of Lamesa, TX, Linda Battle of Abilene, TX, and his many cousins, nieces and nephews living in Texas, California and Washington.

The family will receive friends for a visitation from five o’clock until eight o’clock in the evening on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at Bradshaw-Carter Memorial & Funeral Services, 1734 West Alabama Street in Houston 77098.   The graveside service will take place at ten o’clock in the morning on Friday, May 12, 2017 at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Freeway in Houston where Dr. Bill Heston is to officiate.  The memorial service will be held at two o’clock in the afternoon on Friday, May 12, 2017 at South Main Baptist Church, 4100 Main Street in Houston 77002, where Dr. Steve Wells, Pastor, is to officiate.  A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in Tom’s memory be directed to any of the following churches: First Baptist Church Tye Texas,    207 Morgan Street, Tye, Texas 79563; Emanuel Baptist Church Weatherford Texas, 2910 Bethel Road, Weatherford, Texas 76087; First Baptist Church Crosbyton Texas, 300 W Birch Street, Crosbyton, Texas 79322; First Baptist Church Kermit Texas, 439 N. Mulberry Street, Kermit, Texas 79745; South Main Baptist Church Pasadena Texas, 4300 East Sam Houston Parkway, Pasadena, Texas 77505; First Baptist Church Houston Texas, 7401 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024; South Main Baptist Church Houston Texas, 4100 Main Street, Houston, Texas 77002; or   Houston Baptist University Alma Malone Leavell Endowed Scholarship Fund, 7502 Fondren Road, Houston, Texas 77074.

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