Obituary of Thomas Williams

Obituary Reverend Thomas Williams, affectionally know as “Tom” was born on January 6, 1948 to the parents of the late Cleveland Williams Sr. and the late Jessie Lee Byrd Williams in Branchville, South Carolina. Reverend Williams grew up in Sebring, Florida were he graduated from E.O. Douglas High School in 1966. Later he attended South Florida Junior College with a major in Social Science In May of 1969, Thomas enlisted into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam. He received his honorable discharge on May 1, 1975. While in the army he attended Quartermaster School. Thomas received training in Stock Control, Accounting, and Automotive Repair Parts Specialists. After leaving the Army, Tom used his Auto Parts training to secured a job with Miami-Dade County Fleet Management Division. After thirty-one years of distinguished service and numerous Outstanding Service awards, Thomas retired in September of 2003. He met his first wife Phyllis Gore (deceased) and married on January 6, 1973, later divorced August 3, 1977. Out of that union was born 3 children, Torrence (deceased), Tamika (deceased), and Tamaya Williams. Through an invitation to church from his longtime friends Sylvester and Betty Larkins, Thomas gave his life to the Lord on New Years Eve of 1999 at Faith Vision Baptist Church in Miami. While serving at Faith Vision, his future mother-law introduced Thomas to her daughter. After a six months courtship, Thomas married his “boo” Cassandra D. Williams on February 8, 1996. From that union, was born Samuel T. Williams. Like his father and brothers, he had a deep passion for fishing. During his healthy years, Thomas would often go fishing with Cassandra or his buddies in the very wee hours of the morning, to fish off of Lake Okeechobee in the South Bay Area. He dedicated and served the faith community in various capacities. As a member of Faith Vision Baptist Church, later renamed Faith Vision Church he served as an usher, as well as in auxiliary ministries like Kairos (prison ministry) and Via de Cristo. Years later, God used his passion for fishing and his christian walk to be a “fisher of men”. On August 24, 2003, Thomas Williams was granted his certificate of ordination and stepped into HIS calling to the pastoral ministry. He served under the leadership of Rev. Reckley, and later Rev. Young. Those he leaves behind to cherish his memories include: his wife Cassandra D. Williams, his children Tamaya L. Williams and Samuel T. Williams. As well as, three grandchildren, Latifah Shante Williams, Jared Baker, and Tierra Singletary. His brothers and sisters, Reverend Cleveland Williams of Washington State, Leon Williams (Clara), Yvonne Powell (Harry), Joseph Williams (Lisa), Howard Williams, all from Sebring, Fl., Stanley B. Williams, PCI, Anita Williams (Vernon), Ohio, Mary Toney (Evan) of Tallahassee, Fl, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. God looked around HIS garden And found an empty place. He then looked down upon the earth, And saw your tired face. HE put HIS arms around you And lifted you to rest. God’s garden must be beautiful, HE always takes the best. HE knew that you were suffering, HE knew that you were in pain. HE knew you would never Get well on earth again. He saw the road was getting rough And the hills were hard to climb. So HE closed your weary eyelids And whispered “Peace be thine.” It broke our hearts to lose you But you did not go alone… For part of us went with you The day God called you home. Unknown “I Can See” “So Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want me to do for you? The blind man said to HIM, “Rabboni, that I may receive my sight.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go your way; your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. Mark 10: 51 - 52 On Friday, February 19, 2021 Thomas was sent to Memorial Regional Hospital. After several weeks in the hospital, doctors went back and forth on whether a pacemaker would help regulate his heart. We decided to try one last thing that would possibly extend his life. Weeks before he transitioned from this earth, he expressed his deep love for his family, and would often say “Don’t worry, God got us.” He would often express the desire to see again. He desired to one day see his son play football. The night of the pacemaker procedure, I had a dream. I was in the hospital with my husband. I saw him rise up. He was healthy and looking good. Thomas then said to me “I can see” I said “what?” He repeated again, “I can see”. He then started taking pictures. Something we did a lot early in our marriage and time of dating. The next day Thomas transitioned to be with his heavenly FATHER. I shared my dream with a dear friend, and she said, “God blessed you with seeing your husband’s heavenly body.” Reverend Thomas Williams was right, God got him…and us. Invocation Reverend Donnell Young Scripture Reading Psalm 23 Please Stand Reflections Sylvester Larkins - Friend Tierra Singletary - Granddaughter Acknowledgements Family Reading of Obituary Silently to Soft Music Eulogy Reverend Donnell Young Final Glance Recessional   In Appreciation The family of Thomas Williams deeply appreciates all your prayers, kind words, encouragement, and each special act of kindness. We thank God for each of you. Thank you to all medical staff and personnel in the caring of our beloved, Tom. Interment Due to unforeseen circumstances Burial will be on Tuesday, March 30th at the South Florida National Cemetery in Lake Worth     Arrangements Entrusted To Joseph A Scarano Funeral Home Pines Memorial Chapel 9000 Pines Boulevard Pembroke Pines, Fl. 33024 (954) 438-8222