William Peter "Billy" Tuomala

William (Billy) Peter Tuomala, 51, of Swansea, South Carolina passed away on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at his home after a lengthy battle with heart failure. Billy was born on December 13, 1972 and was blessed to have two fathers, one biological (Stephen Gardner) and one bonus dad (John Tuomala ) who lovingly raised him as his own from birth, along with his mother, Peggy Bitto Tuomala. He grew up roughhousing with his two brothers, Danny and Kenny Tuomala and loved to tell stories about it.
For over 30 years, Billy was the owner/operator of Tuomala Enterprise Tree Experts specializing in all types of tree maintenance, topping, pruning and hazardous removal. His motto was "no tree too big or too tall." He was not scared to take on a tough or dangerous job and was great at what he did
If you knew Billy, you knew the kind of man he was. He was very loving and would give his last penny and the shirt off his back, often times to his own detriment. Even after his heart began to give him trouble, he always wanted to help anyone who needed it. But he was also a very private man, rarely asking for help for himself when he really needed it. He was also the biggest fan of the band "Kiss". He had much memorabilia, knew the words to every song they ever recorded and even had a tattoo with their faces and signatures across his upper back. You could often find him relaxing to their music after a busy day on the job.
Billy was blessed with a beautiful bride, Heather. He and Heather had known each other in high school but life took them down different roads and they each went their own way. They reconnected about 5 years ago and regretted the missed time together. They married on November 21, 2021, and Billy was in heaven. He finally had a family of his own. He adored Heather and that union blessed him with his loving in-laws, Bill and Joan Conway, a bonus son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Brittany Gunning and he became Papa Billy to two precious grandbabies, Zachary (5) and Lydia (4) Gunning who he couldn't love more. He was also Papa Billy to Lexi (19) and Emma (10) Bell, Brittany's two daughters, and often spoke of their beauty and how proud he was of them and their accomplishments. His new family changed Billy into an even more loving and giving man than he already was. The babies were his world and brought him so much more joy than even he could have imagined. Unfortunately, life dealt them a horrific blow in the death of Heather in March of 2023 after only 13 months of marriage. Heather's death devastated Billy beyond words and life was never the same. He has endured much in his 51 years, but nothing hit him as hard as her death. He saw and felt her presence everywhere he turned. His babies were the source of comfort that kept him going, even after being diagnosed with multiple medical issues.
Billy was predeceased by his mother, Peggy Tuomala, his bonus dad, John Tuomala, his wife, Heather Denise (Conway) Tuomala, his brother, Kenny Tuomala, and his grandparents on all sides.
He is survived by his father, Stephen Gardner, his bonus son, Matthew Gunning (Brittany) his grandbabies, Lexi, Emma, Zachary and Lydia, his in-laws, Bill and Joan Conway, his siblings, Danny Tuomala, Tiffany Echeverria, Timothy Gordon, Cameron Coleman and Stephanie Alms, his brother-in-law, David Conway, many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and a host of friends who will miss him terribly.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Details will be provided here when scheduled.
South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the "Tribute Wall" tab above.