Deacon Thomas James Williams, beloved son of the late Jane Dale Williams, was born on January 19, 1967 in Harlem, New York. He was called home on March 12, 2023, after a succession of illnesses and now rests with his Father our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thomas was an active member of New Solid Rock Powerhouse Church of God in Christ, where under the tutelage of Pastor Cornelius James and First Lady Olivia James, he gave his life to the Lord in 2015. While attending, he was also officially ordained as a Deacon.
Thomas, or “Gill,” as he was known by close friends, attended the great Dunbar High School and was a prominent figure on campus known for his sense of style, humor, and school spirit. He later went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree in Business at Strayer University. In his continuing drive to further his education, he later obtained his Master’s Degree in Management at Johns Hopkins University. It was at that time that he pledged and became an active member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. Also, Thomas honorably served as a yeoman in the United States Navy from 1986 to 1990. During his tour, he traveled around the world countless times making stops at various exotic ports of call including Australia, the Republic of the Philippines, and Singapore, to name a few. Upon discharge from the Navy, Thomas, also known as “Chicken Wing,” began a 33-year career with the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services. He thrived in his position and went from Corrections Officer to Transportation Officer to Corrections Hearing Officer. He subsequently retired with honors.
Thomas met and fell in love with the love of his life, Carmel (Stewart) Williams of Crisfield, MD. They later were joined in holy matrimony on August 28, 2015. In addition to joining in marriage, the two also instantly created a blended family with Tevin, Travon, and Kashae, of which they both served as parents who provided loving guidance and advice to each other’s children.
Thomas had three passions in his life: his first passion was music. This was the soundtrack to his life. He loved all types of music and the joy it would bring to other people. Anyone who truly knew him (especially his corrections family) has probably purchased one of his well-crafted compilation CDs. Surely, he had to go platinum with the amount of CDs and mixtapes he sold over the years. His second passion was electronics. If it was new, innovative or made his life easier or streamlined, you could rest assured that he was going to get it. From TVs to sound systems to computer systems and everything in between, it was definitely on his radar. His third passion was Acura automobiles; 90% of the vehicles he ever purchased in his life were Acuras. His commitment to that brand was indicative of his loyalty.
In addition to his passions, Thomas had three loves: his first love was his wife. Although Thomas had previous marriages, he was determined to make this one his best one and his last one. As we all fall short at times, his goal was to do better and be better and never give up. His second love was, his Crew. "Gill" an abbreviated name for Gilligan, given to him at a young age because of his tall and “lanky” physique, came from extremely humble beginnings. As he became more aware of how humble his beginnings were, he found solace in a group of guys who provided support, comfort, and laughter while challenging each other to break away from generational circumstances and become men of distinction. Through good times and bad times, his Crew was always there for him. His third love was his family. Tommy loved family, and he loved them all with the same amount of passion. He was at his happiest when he was surrounded by family, from his biological family, to his extended family, to his high school family, to his church family, to his fraternal family, to his work family, and his godfamily, he loved them all and never had a problem picking up the phone to check on anyone or stopping by for a visit.
Thomas was preceded in death by his mother, Jane Dale Williams.
Thomas leaves to mourn him: his wife, Carmel; son, Tevin; two stepchildren, Travon and Kashae (Tyler); one grandson, Tevin Jr.; five additional grandchildren, Terry, Kiah, KyLea, Damiya, JaKyra; two biological brothers, Johnny "Wus" and Raymone; three godbrothers, Arthur, Kevin, and Fred; gidsister, Vanessa; a very special second mother, Barbara Ruffin; two nieces, Tiera and Rayonna; four nephews, LeVar, Little Ray, Justin, and Joshua; as well as a multitude of extended family, aunts, cousins and friends who were considered family.
Memorable Moments
