Thomas Alvin Williams
On October 1, 1995, the world said farewell to a remarkable man of courage, compassion, and immense wisdom, Dr. Thomas Alvin Williams. A World War II veteran, esteemed OB-GYN, devoted husband, loving father, and doting grandfather, Dr. Tom lived a life brimming with accomplishments, joy, and lots of laughter.
Born on November 7, 1922, in Raleigh, North Carolina, Tom’s journey of life was characterized by an enduring sense of duty and commitment. At just 17, he joined the Marines, serving his country with unflinching bravery during World War II.
Following his military service, Tom pursued education with the same fervor he brought to the battlefield. A proud alumnus of McIntosh High School, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Mercer University Medical School, Tom embraced the transformative power of learning.
His passion for serving others found its fullest expression in his career as an OB-GYN. Known for his gentle bedside manner and kind words, Dr. Tom brought hundreds of new lives into the world, earning the trust and affection of countless patients.
Despite his many accomplishments, Tom was a man of simple pleasures. He cherished his hobbies, which included fishing, race car driving, and gardening. His love for life’s joys was infectious, spreading to all who were fortunate enough to cross his path.
Yet, it was his in role as a family man that Tom truly shone. Survived by his loving wife MaryLynn, and their children Scott Williams (Sandra), Dawn W. Goldberg (Paul), Tricia W. Rockefeller (Frank), and 12 grandchildren, Thomas was a rock of support and an endless source of fun. He is predeceased by his son Alvin and his sisters Grace and Sarah but is survived by brothers Calvin, Greg, and Bubba.
His grandchildren were the apples of his eye, and he could often be found amidst a sea of toys, engaging in imaginative play or sharing stories of his adventures. To them, he was more than a grandfather; he was a living, breathing superhero.
In the tapestry of life, Thomas Alvin Williams was a vibrant, indelible thread. His legacy lives on in the lessons he taught, the stories he shared, and the laughter he spread. He remains in our hearts as a beacon of strength, a wellspring of wisdom, and a testament to a life well-lived.
In his memory, let us cherish each other a bit more, laugh a bit louder, and live with the same courage, compassion, and zest that defined his remarkable life. Dr. Tom, Dad, Gramps—you will forever be our guiding star.