Tommy L. Williams

Smithville – Tommy Lane Williams, 75, died on Wednesday, February 6, 2013, at River Place Nursing Center. Born on October 24, 1937, in Smithville, he was a son of the late Woodrow and Ruby Green Cowley Williams.

Tommy was a graduate of Smithville High School, Class of 1955. Transferring from IJC, he graduated from Mississippi State University in 1960. Tommy married Katie Blake on December 21, 1963. From 1960 – 1965, he was the assistant manager of Glenn Manufacturing, and from 1966 – 1968, he was the plant manager. Enlisting as a Private in the Mississippi Army National Guard in 1953, Tommy was an Administrative officer, 1st Battalion, 198th Armor Division in Amory from 1969 – 1988. In 1989, he became the Administrative officer, 1st Cavalry Division in Tupelo until retiring as Colonel in 1992. From 1993 – 1998, he was the safety manager at Amory Garment and the plant manager at Monroe Trouser. Guided by his faith in God, Tommy was an active member of Smithville Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and church treasurer. A family man who lived by example and always put others first, he enjoyed being with family, friends, and watching his grandchildren participate in their sports and other activities. Tommy was a former board member of Monroe County Power Association. He enjoyed gardening, hunting, and fishing.

He is survived by his wife, Katie B. Williams, Smithville; daughter, Lisa McNeese (Greg), Smithville; sons, Ken Williams (Chris), Barry Williams (Christy), and Greg Williams (Julie) all of Smithville; sisters, Helen Parham, Mobile, AL, Carolyn Ford (Jerry), Amory, Judy Stevens (Williams “Bo”), Smithville, and Kathy Harris (Luke), Amory; brothers, R. L. Williams (Shelby), Lynn Creek, MO, Jimmy Williams (Phyllis), Amory, and Teddy Williams, Smithville; grandchildren, Taylor Williams, Hayden Williams, Claire McNeese, Cole Williams, Katie Beth Williams, Will McNeese, Layne Williams, and Callie Williams; and a host of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Billy Williams.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 1:30 PM, Sunday, February 10 at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Bro. Wes White officiating. Burial will follow in New Hope Cemetery. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Chad and Jim Williams; Brad and Brian Stevens; Craig Ford; and Mike Williams. Honorary pallbearers will be members and former members of 1-98th Cavalry Regiment in Amory.

Visitation will be from 5 – 8 PM, Saturday at the funeral home.

Memorials may be given to a charity of choice.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at eepicklefuneralhome.com.