Thomas (Tommy) James Williams

Thomas James (Tommy) Williams went to be with his Lord and Savior, Wednesday, March 7, 2018 in Waldron, Arkansas surrounded by his loving family. Tommy was born to George Washington Williams and Ruth Guida (Lewis) Williams on July 13, 1935 in Wilkes-Barre, PA. He was 82 years, 7 months and 22 days old. Tommy was a devout Christian and was a member of the First Church of the Nazarene in Waldron, Arkansas.

As a young boy around the age of 11, Tommy moved to Waldron with his parents, Ruth and Artie Beyard. It was there during his school years, he met the love of his life, Wanda Cates. November 17, 1956 Tommy made Wanda Cates his wife. Together they raised two amazing daughters. Tommy was a hard worker. Early in life he worked at several service stations, and also drove a school bus for many years. Tommy also fixed ice machines. In 1974, Tommy went to work for the Waldron Hospital and Nursing Home as a full time maintenance man. It was there he worked until his retirement. Tommy had many hobbies including golf and bowling. He coached girls softball for over 20 years. The girls he coached became family and they were all special to him. Tommy was a devoted family man and loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren and his special cat Ben.

Tommy leaves behind to cherish his memory, his loving wife, Wanda of the home, two daughters, Carla Ennis and Sharri Kopf and husband Bryan all of Waldron, Arkansas. Poppy will forever remain in the hearts of his five grandchildren: Dr. James Russell and wife Rachel of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Charla Hutchens and husband Josh of Waldron, Arkansas, Brandi Shelton and husband Travis of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, Kristi Franklin and husband Neil of Booneville, Arkansas and Kelsie Kopf of Waldron, Arkansas, as well as 14 great grandchildren. Tommy is also survived by Uncle Danny and Aunt Gloria Lewis of Turnersville, New Jersey, one sister in law, Nancy Murphy of Houston, Texas. Tommy will be missed by all that knew him and the many whose lives he impacted including 6 nieces, one nephew, many friends, neighbors and loved ones.

Tommy was preceded in death by his mother and step dad, Ruth and Artie Beyard, father George Williams, one brother Kenneth Williams, one sister and brother in law, Erma and Bobbie Harberson.

Tommy's life celebration will be Friday, March 9, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel in Waldron, Arkansas with Rev. Wally Beckman and Rev. Pat Ray Biggs officiating. Interment will follow in the Buffalo Cemetery in Boles, Arkansas. Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home.

Tommy's pallbearers will be Bryan Kopf, Robert Wagner, Leonard Russell, Travis Shelton, Josh Hutchens and Stan Brewer. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Lewis, Curtis Hudson, Doyle Shipman, Hershal Sims, Eugene Taff, Pepper Mitchell, Jerry Parker, Jerrel Plummer, Ricky Don Black, J.T. Hutchens, "Fuss Hutchens" and Dr. Nathan Bennett.

Tommy's visitation will be Thursday, March 8, 2018 from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas where Tommy's family will receive friends from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.