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Thomas Williams Obituary
Family-Placed Funeral Notice
THOMAS HAROLD WILLIAMS, II “Hal” Hal (Thomas Harold) Williams, II, age 56, died unexpectedly at his home on his final dog walk on March 31, 2007. A native of West Palm Beach, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Pearley Williams, a schoolteacher, and T. Harold Williams, an attorney who served as County Solicitor in the 1950s. The greatest loves of Hal's life were his wife, Rae, his dogs, his friends, motorcycles and tattoos. He dreamed of retiring to the Tennessee mountains and he had taken one last trip there before he died. He operated “You Grow It, We Mow It”, a landscape company since 1978. Hal was a member of the Miracles Club from September 29, 1983 until his untimely passing. He is survived by his wife, Rae Franks; a sister, Candace Melling, a niece and nephew, his dogs, Bubba and Roscoe, and a multitude of friends from all walks of life. Services in celebration of Hal's life will be held at Quattlebaum Funeral Home, 1201 South Olive Ave., West Palm Beach, FL 33401 on Wednesday, April 4, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. Friends are invited to visit with the family at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. preceding the service. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to CARP, Turtle Nest Village or Safe Harbor No-Kill Animal Shelter. Quattlebaum Funeral & Cremation Services Family Owned and Operated (561) 832-5171 To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Williams
Mary Levine
September 28, 2007
Dear Rae
I was shocked to find out about Hal's passing just today. Hal was our only friend that attended our wedding in 1991 in Connecticut. I was just going through our wedding album with our daughter Emily and showed her the picture of Hal. My family remembers Hal fondly. Hal referred to my mother as "Mumsy". Living in Indiana we are pretty removed from our old gang. Hal was one of the craziest, awesomest (is that a word? :)), people I have every known and I will never forget him. He will always have a special place in my heart. I am sure he saw "Mumsy" when he got to Heaven. My deepest sympathy. Mary Levine
Dan Levine
September 28, 2007
Rae, news travels so slow sometimes... In my time of need to lend a hand to a friend, Hal was my first thought of who to go to. I am so sorry to hear of his passing. For many years, he was my closest friend in WPB and in Recovery. He opened his heart to me when I got to Fl. I'll always remember him tooling around on his WW2 motorcycle before the Harley/tattoo bug hit him...and look at him at the end. So much pleasure he got out of life.
Rachel Collier
April 20, 2007
'suppose God made him take off those nappy converse shoes at the door?
Esther Reiter
April 13, 2007
To one unforgettable fellow traveler in this road of recovery -We will miss you Hal. He was true recovery - one person helping another. I always knew he would be there if I needed him. Rae, you were also there when I needed guidance. It has been over 10 years since we have lived in Florida, but our hearts in recovery have never left. Please let us know if you need anything or even a trip to the Ozark Mountains. We are truly sorry for your loss.
Kenny Friend and Esther Reiter
Brenda Montague
April 11, 2007
Dear Rae,
I am so sorry to hear of your sudden loss. Please know that many prayers are with you at his time.
Brenda Montague
Karen King
April 11, 2007
Alison R. and Tracey D. called me this week to let me know about Hal's passing. I haven't lived in West Palm for almost 15 years, but back in the day I rented a room in Hal's home for about a year and really got to know him. Hal is one of my favorite comic book characters, as well as a very sensitive, compassionate man. I can't help but smile when I think of him. Hal, I've got my Harley Fat Boy now and will think of you as I'm going down the road. To Rae, you two were just dating when I left to move to Texas. My heart goes out to you. It sounds like you two had such a great life. That’s something to be really grateful for. All the best to you.
Tracey Driscoll
April 5, 2007
Hal he was the best at making people laugh. He will be missed by lots of people he helped all of us trudge the road to happy destiny. Thanks Hal for the Memories. Does anybody know how to contact Karen K? She once was a roomate of Hal's and I can't find her.
Dayami Dewitt
April 4, 2007
Rea,
I am sorry for your husbands loss. I remember when I used to go for walks on Flagler and I saw you and Hal walking your dog a few times. I thought to myself, "what a great couple they make." Your old client and Dulce Perez's sister; With sincere sympathy, Dayami DeWitt
Kathy Maenza
April 4, 2007
Dear Rae,
I am so sorry for your loss. Hal has always been a part of my life,since 1983. He was one of a kind. If you need anything, please let me know. I will miss him and his humor so much.
You are in my prayers.
Love Kathy
Judy Zusack
April 4, 2007
Rae, I will always remember those times when Hal pulled up on his cycle and came into the office and made everyone's day with his crazy antics. My heart goes out to you. Remember all the good times you had together and cherish them. Words cannot heal or make the hurt any easier to bear, but please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
RICK HIDALGO
April 3, 2007
HE WAS A MAN LIKE NO OTHER I HAVE KNOW. WITH ALL MY LOVE FOR YOU AND THE BOYS HE LEFT BEHIND. I AM SURE HE WILL BE WITH YOU FOREVER.AND I WILL THINK OF HIM EVER TIME I AM MY RIDEING MY TWO WHEELS ON THE RODE WITH LOVE TO YOU MY BRO AND HIS LADY FOREVER BIG RICK
Stephanie Boneta
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae,
We are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, Stephanie and Jaime
Gemma Steele
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae,
Though Hal's time here with us has ended on one level, his spark for life will live on in our hearts.
To think of Hal, is to think of a "naughty smile" on a "cheerful face"; with a twist on life that is full of humor & good nature.
We will truly miss his presence but forever cherish his memory.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love, John & Gemma
Stanley and Christine Franks
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae,
We will miss Hal calling us "Step Mama and Dad", his big bear hugs, the way he tilts his head when he smiles, and the twinkle in his eyes. We know you will miss these things about Hal and so much more. You were both so fortunate to have these years together to make the happy memories you will cherish for a lifetime.
With all our love, Chris and Dad
Bonnie & Kevin Jackson
April 3, 2007
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Susan and Frank McRae
April 3, 2007
Rae,
It was so good to talk with you last night. The news of Hal's death was very unexpected and our hearts go out to you at this loss. We're glad to have been here for you since you told us talking about him seems to help. We love you both and wished we'd been able to get back home to visit one more time. Hal took me under his wing when I first moved to Florida in 1988 and kept an eye on me while I became acquainted with others. He and Frank were good friends and he was best man at our wedding. We fondly remember our camping trip with you to Ocala for Thanksgiving. What a great time; a full thanksgiving meal over a camp fire! We'll be thinking of you and our friends celebrating Hal's life on Wednesday. Rae we hold you in our hearts and prayers. Godspeed...
Susan & Frank
Patti Day
April 3, 2007
My dearest friend Rae: What an awesome picture of Hal. I can and can't imagine what you are feeling. In this time of sorrow and loss, remember how much Hal loves you. You two were meant to be together. Cherish the love and joy you gave to each other. You are a strong woman, Rae. Trust that you will see one another again someday. Take comfort in your beautiful animals. They need you so much right now. Call us is you need us for anything, anytime, even if just to talk. I will be with you in spirit tomorrow. Wish I lived closer so I could be there for you. You know I would. Love you. Patsy
Dennis Vierlli
April 3, 2007
Rae, This is Dennis AKA (CrazyMan) Was over the house a few times, got the dirty white Boy tee shirts. So sorry to here of your loss Hal was one of a kind. Feel free to write if you need to talk or help with anything at all. Dennis
Dea A.
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae,
I'm just so shocked. My heart goes out to you. Unfortunately, I can well imagine what you're going through right now. I can just see Hal and Russ up there raising hell (so to speak). What a terrible, terrible loss. Hal was truly one of a kind. I'm so very sorry Rae.
Sharon Fleischer
April 3, 2007
RAE
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you from New York/New Jersey. Your mother was quite upset when we told her, also. She knows how much you loved Hal, and how devoted you were to eachother.
Our condolences,
Sharon, Scott, Erika,Tyler and Dylan Fleischer
Katy Krauss Roberts
April 3, 2007
Rae,
We wanted to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. I am writting for myself (Katy) and Rick ("Bubba") and Mark Krauss. Growing up as the little sister, Hal was always like a big brother to me. He always took up for me and made me laugh. Everyone he touched smiled, that was just Hal. May the memories of Hal be treasures you carry with you where ever you go and give you comfort when you are alone. I know one of the greatest treasures I will have is the precious memories of Hal and his wonderful smile and laughter. We were lokking forward to his retirement in East Tenneseee. I am so gald he was able to enjoy a little of the mountain life and seemed to really love it. Please call us all if you need anything from Tennessee. Please take care and know our thoughts and love are with you.
The Krauss Faimly,
Rick, Mark and Katy
JoAnn & Kenny Goodrich
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your beloved husband Hal. What a wonderful man with a big heart, a tremedous love for you and animals. God Bless him, you and your family.
Love,
The lastest photo of Hal in his new jacket from VA
Brygida T.
April 3, 2007
Here is probably THE latest photo of Hal on his bike taken by Chippy & the crew at Fox Creek Leather Store in Independence, VA last week on Hal's biking trip to Tennessee.
Thank you Chippy for sharing the photo with us. Here posted by:
Sheila & Denys Matefy
April 3, 2007
Rae, Hal will remain in our hearts forever. We will miss his exceptional spirit on our visits to West Palm Beach. May you and all of us gain strength through our memories of Hal.
Eileen Rizza
April 3, 2007
Rae,
I am very sorry to hear of your great loss. Hal made your life full of good things and will be sincerely missed and while the pain will deminish it will never be forgotten. Keep well and take care of those dogs, they will be a great comfort to you especially at this time.
Sincerely,
Eileen
Jill Brilliant
April 3, 2007
Dear Rae,
Steve and I very sorry for your loss. You two had a very full life together that will never be forgotten. Hal will be very missed by many people. Hal will always cherish you now as much as he always has. We're here for you if you need anything at all. We will miss his very sick sense of humor and his craziness. It's been a great journey being clean with him.
We love you both
Michael Stairs
April 3, 2007
Rae,
I can't imagine your thoughts right now. I only know that you are so very strong. You had 13 of the most interesting years with the ONE for you and no one can ever know all the expierences you have had together. That is yours and no one elses. Keep the memories with you always., and you will laugh throughout the years. WITH ALL MY HEART.
Michael Stairs
Daniel Jackson
April 2, 2007
Dear Rae,
This is your friend and Realtor in East Tennessee. I was such a lucky person to have known Hal. He was a great friend. You have my prayers and thoughts with you. Hal made me laugh when he was around me. He was such a special and wonderful person. I really enjoyed our long phone conversation last week. You have a friend here forever. Please let me know if you need me for anything at all. I love you Rae.
April 2, 2007
Rae,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time.
CU Center, Inc.
Michael, Chuck, Terri, Cheryl
Gloria & Mike Walker
April 2, 2007
Dear Rae,
With our deepest sympathy...we feel your loss and are here for you, if you need anything...Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joe Davis
April 2, 2007
Hal, my wonderful neighbor, was the guy you heard laughing from next door, the guy who was almost childlike in his excitement over a new bike or toy, he showed pure excitement with it, never a show-off or braggart. He always helped me out IMMEDIATELY, whenever I needed something! His tattoos and his big smile and HUGE voice are going to be with me for a very long time. God Bless Hal and Rae.
Lots of Love at a difficult, Joe
Brygida T.
April 2, 2007
Our Deepest Sympathies to you Rae for your great loss... stay strong as you are always. Time will heal your wound. Take care of those doggies... :)
Patti Day
April 2, 2007
Dearest Rae and Family: My deepest sympathies in the sudden loss of Hal. I knew Hal briefly before moving to Tampa in 1995, as I worked for his wife, Rae. We have remained friends through the years and distance. Hal was a funny, generous and dog-loving person. I know Parker and Belvedere were waiting anxiously for the walk with him on the other side. Love, Patsy (and Hilton).
Taleesa Fowler
April 2, 2007
it was a great pleasure sharing the "miracles" with Hal. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Elizabeth Rielly
April 2, 2007
Hal was an important figure in my life when I was daignosed with cancer at age 33. Hal assisted my Aunt Julie at Harley-Davidson WPB in a Poker Run to raise funds for me while I was undergoing chemotherapy. He stepped up to the plate in service of others and I know I was not the only recipient of his many gifts.
My thoughts and prayers are with his wife.
Elizabeth A. Rielly
Paul Vrabcak
April 2, 2007
my name is paul V i have been clean for 22 years , hal helped me thru the rough years of my recovery by teaching me to grab each laugh that came my way, he also was a role modle for those of us who couldnt understand it was ok to work hard, if i have a favorite memory of hal it will be his laugh sometimes placed inapropreatly but always genuine, you lived well hal and you made a difference in my life In your after life I pray that there are dogs, laughter, and toys lots of toys.
god grant me the serenoty to acept the things i can not understand.
paul V
Sherry Rodia
April 2, 2007
To Rae and family, I am the person who you often saw riding my bicycle when you were walking your beautiful dogs. I once took and sent you photo`s. The world will miss one of the most consistanly nice and happy people. He always made me smile. This frown I feel does not belong to him. My prayers and sympathy are with all his family. I know his dogs will weep too. Fondly, Sherry rodia
Patricia (Line-Oates) Scott
April 2, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Julie Russell
April 2, 2007
Dear Rae and family members
I had the pleasure of knowing Hal as both a client and a friend. Every contact with him was joyfull and fun. He was always willing to help others, displayed tremendous honesty, loyalty and intelligence. I will miss him! The world was a better place because of him.
I am so sad that the world has lost such a treasure.
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