Thomas Wells Williams

After a long and blessed life, Tom lost his battle with Alzheimer’s on December 22, 2023 at the age of 98, he’s gone to meet his Savior. Tom was born September 8, 1925 to Helen and H. Wells Williams. Weighing less than 5 pounds, he had a struggle and needed a wet nurse to survive. His parents and his brother, Theodore J. Williams predeceased him. Those whom he leaves to mourn him are his wife, Harriet, to whom he was married for 73 years; their four children, Cheryl A. Williams of Jackson, Brian T. (Valerie) Williams of Mishawaka, IN, Pamela S. Freytag of Marshall, MI, and Matthew J. Williams of Kingsville, TX; 9 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; a special friend, Michael Freytag of E. Tawas, MI; and his beloved dog, Bruno.

Tom was a quiet, kind, dependable, generous, loving, and thoughtful husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He served in both theaters of battle during World War II, going into the army out of high school. Tom was an electrical engineer, graduating from University of Michigan in 1950, worked for Pennsylvania Electrical in PA for 2 years before coming to Jackson to work for Commonwealth Associates. He worked for Commonwealth Associates and Gilbert Commonwealth for 35 years, designing power plant substations and electrical transmission and distribution lines. Tom continued to educate himself whenever an occasion presented itself. He was a registered professional electrical engineer in 7 states, working in Alaska for 3 months, spent time in Turkey and several other states during his career. Tom enjoyed his work. After retiring from Gilbert Commonwealth in 1987, he worked part-time for Novak Engineering for 6 years, retiring again from Novak in 1994. Tom enjoyed golfing in a work league. He enjoyed working on projects around the house and built an addition to the house in 1969 and added a basement bathroom in 1979. He was an avid jigsaw and crossword puzzle fan. There was always a jigsaw puzzle in progress on the table. Tom and his wife were foster parents with FSCA for 15 years, touching the lives of 65 children under 6 years of age, sometimes having 4 children at the same time. Some stayed only 1 or 2 days and others stayed for 3 and 4 years. Tom enjoyed camping with his family and spent many happy hours sailing his 16” Rebel sailboat on Clark Lake. After he retired, he and Harriet took their travel trailer every year and spent 3 winter months camping in Florida while attending horse show jumping competitions. Tom joined First United Methodist Church shortly after coming to Jackson in 1952 and was a loyal member.

According to Tom’s wishes, he has been cremated and will be interred at Fort Custer National Cemetery sometime in 2024 during a private family service. The family wishes to thank the staff at the Hospice Home for making Tom’s last days comfortable. Also, we would like to thank family and friends who have made this challenging time easier with their love, concern, and lots of hugs. Memorial contributions may be made to the Cascade Humane Society, Henry Ford Allegiance Hospice Home, First United Methodist Church, or a charity of your choice.

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