Thomas D. Williams

Thomas Darryl Williams of Florence, South Carolina, passed away on December 23, 2024. Thomas was born on August 20, 1956 to Hilda and James Williams in Florence, South Carolina. He was a known basketball player in the neighborhood and inspired many of his younger relatives with his exemplary athletic skills. He joined the United States Air Force in 1976 and left Florence to see the world. The Philippines, Panama and Korea were the countries his military service took him to.

He had four children, Thomas D. Williams II, Brian A. Williams, Derek I. Williams and Stephanie D. Williams-Jones. He retired from the United States Air Force in 1996, and moved to Germany to work as a Food Service Manager for the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). Thomas was an avid singer and loved to perform at home and for anyone who found themselves in his presence when he had the urge to sing. 

He attended Kingdom Equipped Ministries in Fredericksburg, VA and Christ Church in Cheverly, MD. He was an active member of both churches.

He retired from AAFES in 2015, and became a full time grandfather to his 12 grandchildren. Aaliyah Montgomery, Jordynn, Zion, Deandre and Jayden Williams, Alyssa, Andrea and Sean Jones, Derek Jr and Harper Williams, Syncere and Lanaea Williams. HIs Uncle Billy Norwood, his mother’s brother was his weekend sports partner, they would get together and watch the weekend games then go out to eat afterwards like clockwork. Aunt Carolyn, his Uncle Billy’s sister, would join them for lunch or dinner whenever she was in town for a visit. 

He is preceded by his younger sister and brother, Rhonda and Alan Williams. 

He is survived by his four children, Thomas Darryl Williams II (Teresa), Brian Andre Williams, Derek Ian Williams ( Emilia), Stephanie Denise Williams-Jones (Andre), the mother of his children Patsy Ann Williams, his older brother James Williams (Josiellia), Gregory Williams (Sarah), and Billy Williams (Melissa), his Aunt Carolyn Norwood, Sally Williams, and a large array of nieces, nephews and cousins . 

The family wants to give a special thank you and acknowledgment to Mary Campbell. She was Thomas’s friend and companion the last year of his life. She came into his life and helped renew and invigorate his dedication to the Lord. They participated in church outreach activities together and attended online prayer and bible study faithfully. She was there day in and day out and kept his children abreast of his condition during his time in the hospital. She made sure he was not alone and had a friendly and familiar face in the hospital room. 

Please keep the family of Thomas Darryl Williams in your thoughts and prayers.