Thomas E. Williams

The heart of a man can be found in his bright smile and the twinkle in his eye when in the company of those he loves. Thomas Williams was such a man. A big man with an even bigger heart, his loving kindness and generosity was unmatched. He counted his family as his greatest blessing and loved them dearly. Truly missed, he leaves lasting memories that will be forever treasured. Although conservative in nature, the decade of the 1950s sculpted the culture of America. Everything from music to movies, art and media to beloved comic strips and cartoons introduced households to a whole new way of life. With manufacturing and home construction on the rise, the economy boomed as the suburban dream was being realized. Amid these exciting times, the conflict of the Korean War and the Cold War clash between communism and capitalism dominated the decade and was cause for concern. It was indeed a time of change, especially in the lives of Thomas Davis and Dorothy Williams of Muskegon, Michigan when on December 8, 1950 they welcomed the birth of their son, Thomas Edward Williams. Having enjoyed a typical childhood for the times, Thomas spent much of his time playing and sharing boyhood adventures with friends while attending the local schools. His father was a gas station owner in the Detroit, Michigan area while his mother set-up house in Ludington, Michigan. As the eldest, Thomas later welcomed younger siblings, Wesley, Joe, Lois, Johnny, Tony and Gretchen. There were many places that Thomas came to call home. He grew up with his brothers and sisters in Ludington with his mother, and lived with his dad in Detroit for a time as well. Much of his growing up years included living with his grandma Ruby in Muskegon, but each played an integral role in raising him and helped define the man he would one day become. Even through diverse times in his life, Thomas enjoyed the friendships of many and was well liked by all throughout his childhood and beyond. After spending most of his high years in Muskegon, he went on to graduate from Muskegon High School in 1968. Thomas served in the military and later returned home to Muskegon. In time he landed a job working at Wesley School. While working there he met a co-worker named Shirley Daniels. After dating a short time, they were joined in marriage in 1973. Thomas was blessed to be called father when in 1977 their son Christopher was born. Chad followed in 1979 and in 1980 Jennifer completed their family. A naturally loving, caring and generous man, Thomas truly shined when it came to his kids. His love for them was evident in all he did while supporting his household as a manager in various retail establishments and as an instructional assistant. Many treasured memories were made as his children grew. When sibling rivalry caused trouble in the car, Thomas punishment was making them touch the ceiling of the car until they reached their destination. Although his marriage to Shirley ended in divorce in 2005, Thomas was forever grateful for the children they shared together. Lovable and kind, Thomas was endearing to many, and for many reasons. He had his share of quirks like many of us do, but hearing him pronounce the word prez-tel instead of pretzel always brought a smile to the faces of those around him. He absolutely loved Christmas and was by far his favorite holiday. In fact, he at one time had 23 decorated Christmas trees in his house! They each had a different theme such as angels, bears, Santas or cupids, and there wasnt a spot left in the house untouched by decorations. Tin cans lined the floor throughout the house and his festive spirit could be found in every room, including the bathroom. Thomas was very talented when it came to sewing and crafting. He loved spending time on a project, particularly when it was for someone he especially loved. Whether he was working on an outfit for his granddaughter, a quilt, purse, wreath or tablecloth, Thomas was sure to be enjoying and loving his craft. With an appreciation for his creative side, Thomas loved making the many items that will continue to be cherished for years to come. One of the things that gave Thomas his greatest delight was the love he had for his grandchildren. It brought him unending joy to be surrounded by their love. He always talked about going to visit his grandson, Preston who lives in Schaumburg, Illinois and the fun times theyd share playing at the park. He always got a kick watching his granddaughter, Lakelynd, make lemon or lime juice just the way he showed her. The apple of his eye, Thomas loved making dresses and buying clothes for her. Whenever she came to visit, Thomas was sure to have his condo set just right for her dolls. He even had special cds for her with her favorite kids music. In his kitchen, Lakelynd had a special drawer grandpa Thomas reserved just for her where he kept all of her favorite activities. Filled with treasures, he made sure it was stocked with fresh marshmallows, her favorite. She had her grandpa wrapped around her little finger, and he loved every minute of it! At the age of 60, Thomas E. Williams sadly died on Thursday, December 9, 2010. A gift to those who knew and loved him, he will be fondly remembered for his bright smile, caring heart and loving kindness. The memories he leaves behind will be forever treasured. Thomas is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Williams of Muskegon; two sons: Christopher (Brandy) Williams of Schaumburg, Illinois and Chad Williams of Muskegon; mother, Dorothy Smith of Ludington; two grandchildren: Preston Williams and Lakelynd Williams; brothers: Wesley (Ann) Holmes, Johnny Holmes, Joe (Lori) Holmes, all of Ludington, and Tony (Nancy) Holmes of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters: Lois (Gene) Edwards of Ft. Pierce, Florida and Gretchen Holmes of Ludington; former wife, Shirley Williams of Muskegon; many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and by his grandmother, Ruby Williams. MEMORIAL GATHERING: Wednesday, December 15, 2010, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home-Muskegon. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Thomas or to sign his online guest book.