Thomas Ryland "T.R." Willaims

1939 - 2026

Thomas Ryland "T.R." Willaims Winterville - Thomas Ryland "TR" Williams passed away on February 10, 2026. Thomas was born in Rocky Mount, North Carolina on June 20, 1939, to the late Tom and Mary Williams.

After graduating from Rocky Mount Senior High School in 1957, he enlisted in and served for 30 years in the United States Navy. He served as a submariner during the cold war with Russia. Then he became a Naval Aviator flying a Corsair A7. He served in Vietnam. After 30 years, he retired from the Navy, and then worked the next 10 years for Electronic Warfare Associates (EWA). In the middle of this, he met and married, Carol Ann Clawson, on February 22, 1972. He and she had 53 years together until Thomas succumbed to his Parkinson's Disease.

In addition to his wife, Carol, he is also survived by his daughter Christy Welborn and her husband, Kelly. Thomas is also survived by his grandchildren, Ryland Trull (Jenna), Lee Trull (Lillie), and Mary Catherine Trull, Kristen Letchworth (Spencer), Travis Welborn (Alicia) and Katie Strickland (Brooks). Also left behind to cherish Thomas' memory are his 12 great grandchildren, his brothers Bill Williams (Diane), Robert Williams (Kathy), and many nieces and nephews.

Thomas was also preceded in death by his brother, Reverand John Williams and his sister, Francis Williams.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM, on February 21, 2026, at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 131 Oakmont Dr., Greenville NC, 27858.