Thomas Wiley Williams

Thomas “Tom” Wiley Williams, age 95, of Hopeful, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family. He lived a long and meaningful life marked by hard work, quiet wisdom, and kindness to everyone who knew him. He was a gentle man whose strength showed not through loud words, but through steady actions, dedication to his family, and the example he set every day. Known for his wisdom and strong work ethic, he spent many years training bird dogs, a passion he truly loved and took great pride in. He also worked as a hunting guide for Riverview Plantation, where he shared his love of the outdoors and earned the respect and friendship of many through the years. Later in life, he continued working outdoors mowing grass, something he faithfully did for the last 26 years. Even at 95 years old, he was still mowing grass up until the day before he passed away — a true testament to his determination, independence, and love of staying active. More than anything, he loved his family and leaves behind a legacy of perseverance, humility, and unconditional love that will continue through generations. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Wanda Thomas Williams;; and his six children: Sanford Wiley “Stanley” (Marlu) of Picayune, MS, Tany Williams, (Mickey) Bristal, Tn; Christi Dixon, (Jim), Camilla, GA., Travis Lane (Jennifer) DeLeon, Tx; Tony Ray (Lacey) Camilla, GA; Kenny Williams of Hopeful, GA and his sister, Joyce Sheperd, Pelham, GA. He is also survived by his 14 grandchildren: Sanford (Sandy)Williams, Pelham, GA. Christine Hendley, Camilla, GA. Smike Williams (Jessica);Valdosta Thomas “Tommy” Williams (Katie) Cairo, GA, Wendi Williams Palmer, Bristal, Virginia,; Kelly Williams (Amanda) Bristal VA; Adam Green; Matthew Adams, (Jordon) Franklin, TN; Andrew Adams, Camilla, GA; Joshua T Williams, Japan; Justyn Lane Williams, California; Jayden Williams, DeLeon Tx, Jordyn Williams, DeLeon, TX; Lark Anderson Krizan, Valdosta, GA; Ridge Carter Williams (Savannah) Pelham, GA; Brooklyn Toliver (Mason) Bainbridge, GA; And many beloved great-grandchildren: Austin D Williams, Taylor Willis, Daniel and Kolton Williams; William and Jessie Hendley; Dutch, Fiona and Wiley Adams, Shawn Adams; Gracie White (Clayton); Xander, Maximus, Ford, Ginger, Walker and Smyke T Williams; Beau Anderson Bloxson; Weston, Cohen and Lillianne Williams; Alexander Green; Alyssa, Tyler, Noah, Kaleb and Paisley Williams; Gabriel, Angeliah, Victory and Trinity Palmer Great Great: Rilelle illis; Brick Williams; Sawyer and Easton White; He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman and Armelia Williams; and his siblings, Edna Godwin Blewitt, Ellison Williams, Went Williams, Nat Williams, and Irma Jordan. The family will receive friends at Willis Jamerson Funeral Home Monday from 4:00PM-5:00PM. Funeral services will be held at Willis Jamerson Funeral Home, Monday, May 11, 2026 at 5:00PM. A private family only interment at Union Cemetary. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing his life was well lived, his wisdom freely shared, and his example will never be forgotten.