Thomas Williams

Williams, Thomas D. Scotts, Michigan Thomas Dale Williams was born January 3, 1950 in Kalamazoo, Michigan to Kenneth Williams and Joan Hoffman. He graduated from Loy Norrix High School in 1968 and Kalamazoo Valley Community College in 1970. He married the love of his life, Christina (Tompkins) Williams in 1985. Tom worked as a Machinist, a Safety and Training Instructor, a Purchasing Agent for National Waterlift Manufacturers, and spent several years self employed as a Manufacturing Representative. He enjoyed the outdoors, travel, and time with friends and family. Highlights included: camping throughout Michigan and the United States; enjoying the camaraderie of friends and the peace and solitude of the woods while hunting; exploring national parks throughout the USA; trips to the Caribbean and Mexico; and a trip along Route 66 at age 66. Tom loved history, museums and forts, attending smooth jazz and other music concerts, and all forms of aircraft. He had a student pilot license, tried hang-gliding, rode in a bi-plane, and most recently flew on the Dreamliner to Hawaii where he enjoyed soaring in a glider over the ocean and mountains of Oahu. Most of all, Tom loved any and all beaches and bodies of water and treasured his time boating on Lake Michigan: trips up north and across the Lake, some quite hair-raising, and in recent years, hanging out at his boat slip with friends, telling stories and sharing laughs. All he wanted when he turned 70 was to have his "feet in the sand and a beer in hand". His wish was granted with time spent on a Maya Riviera beach. Tom passed away on September 23 following complications from a stroke at Rose Harbor Hospice, with Chris by his side. He is survived by his wife Christina of 37 years, brother David Williams and mother Joan Hoffman, both of Lakeland, Florida, in-laws Susie and Bob Kingsley of Ft. Myers, Florida, Mike and Lynn Tompkins of Camas, Washington, and many special nieces, nephews, friends, and his dear cat, Mary. He is preceded in death by his father Kenneth Williams, brother Jeffery Williams, daughter Tammy Walraven, and in-laws Ross "Pete" and Nancy Racine. Per Tom's request, there will be no services or visitation. Memorial contributions may be made to Kalamazoo Loaves & Fishes. Please visit Tom's memory page at www.langelands.com.