Thomas A. Williams Jr.

Thomas A. Williams, Jr., 74, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 3, 2026, following a long battle with primary myelofibrosis and acute myeloid leukemia. Born February 20, 1951, at Naval Air Base Whidbey Island, WA, Tom was the eldest son of Bonnie Kathleen (Hargett) Williams and the late Thomas A. Williams, Sr.

A proud 1969 graduate of Sylvania High School (AL), Tom's pursuit of education took him from Highland Community College to Radford University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science. He later furthered his studies in accounting at Northern Virginia Community College.

Tom often spoke nostalgically of his early years working in potato sheds, picking cotton, sorting eggs, and stocking produce - jobs that built the work ethic he carried into his eight-year service with the U.S. Army Reserve, where he attained the rank of Sergeant First Class.

In 1976, Tom began a distinguished 33-year career with the FBI. Starting as a file clerk, he rose to Special Agent in 1981, serving in New Haven, New York, D.C. Headquarters, Dallas, and Indianapolis. His investigative portfolio was vast, spanning from bank robberies and kidnappings to foreign counterintelligence. He contributed to the 1993 World Trade Center bombing investigation, the 1994 FIFA World Cup security detail, and the 2003 Space Shuttle recovery effort.

Beyond his career, Tom was an enthusiast of the American Civil War. He spent years traveling to hallowed grounds and sharing his expertise through presentations to the Civil War Round Table and the Wabash Area Lifetime Learning Association (WALLA). His commitment to protection remained a lifelong mission; at his church, he spearheaded an active shooter emergency response program.

Tom is survived by his wife of 48 years, Ann Lemke Williams; daughter Rebecca Williams Kirschman (David); sister Sharon (Dan) Roat; and mother Bonnie Kathleen (Hargett) Williams. He was preceded in death by his son, Samuel Adam Williams, and brothers Michael Ray and Robert Franklin Williams.

Tom's laughter and unyielding spirit will be missed by all who loved him. His legacy lives on in the memories we cherish.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm until the time of the memorial service at 5:00 pm on Friday, January 16, 2026, at Soller-Baker Lafayette Chapel, 400 Twyckenham Blvd. Memorial contributions may be made to the Blood Cancer Society and/or to the Society of Former Special Agents of the FBI in Tom's memory.