Tommy Hugh Williams (87), of Jackson, TN passed on May 12th of 2024, survived by his Huntingdon High School sweetheart who became his loving wife of 68 years, Clara Carnal Williams. Together, they had three children: Craig Williams of Fort Worth Texas, Cindy Taylor Dachs (Jim) of Jackson, TN, Subrenia Barnett (Jeff), of Jackson, TN, six grandchildren: Heather Williams Mentzel (Jeremy) of Portland, OR, Bethany Williams Lindsay (Andy) of Portland, OR, Josh Taylor, Caleb Taylor, Zach Taylor all of Jackson, TN, Marietta Barnett Nicolay (Brand) of Jackson, TN and five great grandchildren: Pierce Mentzel, Derek Mentzel both of Portland OR, Adelaide Nicolay, Aldrich Nicolay, and Edelweiss Nicolay all of Jackson, TN.

Funeral services will be conducted on Friday, May 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Chase Funeral Home with Bro. Ray Pack officiating. Burial will follow in Christian Chapel Cemetery.

The family will receive friends in the Cherrywood Room of Chase Funeral Home on Thursday from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM and on Friday from 10:00 AM until time of the service.

Pallbearers to serve are: Lane Williams, Thomas Williams, Wesley Williams, Ian Williams, Dallas Ellis, Matt Rich

Tommy was born November 28th, 1936, the son of James F. Williams and Lillian Rachel Williams of Carroll County, TN, both deceased. He was the oldest of eleven children. He was preceded in death by his brother Freddie R. Williams. Surviving him are his sisters Joyce Lackey (Mark) of Brownsville, TN, Carolyn Rowland (Dennis) of Dexter MO, Frances Coleman (Jack) of Camden, TN, Katherine Beamon of Huntingdon, TN and Christine Ellis (Otis) of Huntingdon, TN. Of his brothers, he is survived by J.D. Williams (Rutha) of Milan, TN, David Williams (Phyllis) of Huntingdon, TN, Trent Williams (Tracy) of Huntingdon, TN and Lance Williams (Gigi) of Arlington, TN. He is also survived by sister-in-law Carol Huff (Marvin) of Lexington, TN.

Even after retiring as a tool and die maker, engineer and manager in 2000, he continued to work different jobs within the community. He loved meeting new people, staying active and being productive. He was still holding a part-time job up until the week of his passing. Everything he put his hand to, he did with excellence and he took pride in his work. He was an honest man. There was no need of a handshake with Tommy, his word was his word. His strong work ethic, honest character and spirit was not held aside solely for his career, but generously poured out into every aspect and relationship within his life.

He was a Christian man who shared his faith not only in words, but in actions. He was a faithful member and part of the South Jackson Church of Christ. He touched people—their hearts, their minds, and he lead them in a way that a good father leads a child. He was a remarkable father figure, not only to his own children, but to countless others. He was a brilliant yet humble example to all those he encountered of what it means to be both strong in all senses of the word, and yet compassionate all the same.

He never met a stranger. Anytime there was a crowd, he was in the middle of it having a lively time, making people feel invited and at ease. You never knew if he would be making a witty joke, talking about our Lord, tearing up over a precious child or singing a rambunctious song. He was able to truly feel emotions and draw it out of those around him as well.

He was a storyteller. When Tommy would start telling a story, he did so with such excitement in his eyes and zeal that you would have thought you were right there with him in the narrative when it happened.

Yet not only was he eager to meet a new face, shake a new hand or tell a tale, he was an extraordinary listener. He cared—truly cared for those he was around. He was attentive and ready to invite you in to sit down for coffee if you were having a bad day. He listened, he encouraged, he gave and he passed down so much wisdom that could only come from first-hand experiences and a life well-lived.

He lived passionately and fully. In his last days, you could always hear him remarking how blessed he was to live the life he had lived and we, the family, are all grateful and honored for the time we had with him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all of his family and friends.