Thomas L. Williams, long-time Lompoc resident, and inspiration to many, passed away unexpectedly on June 30, 2021. He was 69 years old.

Mr. Thomas L. Williams was the first of ten children born to Eddie Lee Williams and Dorothy Mae Woods-Williams on Oct. 21, 1951, in Seattle, Washington.

Thomas received his formative education in East Saint Louis, Illinois. He had always been an honor student throughout his formative years. He skipped two grades in elementary school. When the school tried to skip him a third time, his mother refused to allow him to be too far ahead of his peers.

While in high school, Tommy (as he was known to family and friends), was a talented artist, and actually drew up the blueprints for his high school guidance office. Despite losing his mother to cancer shortly before finishing high school, he graduated at the age of 16 from East St. Louis Senior High, at the top of his class. Soon thereafter, Tom was drafted into the military (Army) and sent off to Vietnam to fight a war he was vehemently against. He received full honors upon his discharge but remained highly critical of the concept of warfare.

After the war, Tommy met the love of his life, Cynthia Hill. They settled in California, where they raised two sons (Kenrick and Garrin), and remained lovingly devoted to each other for over 28 years. In 1979, Tom was baptized as a Jehovah's Witness and spent the entirety of his remaining years as a meticulous biblical scholar, ardent researcher, and historian. His students included inmates at the Lompoc Federal Prison, where he would voluntarily provide spiritual engagement and encouragement to those in dire circumstances. He had a knack for interweaving humor into many of his lessons. Tom and Cynthia's shared passion for spiritual growth was passed on to their children and numerous other individuals and families that they studied with around the world. Sadly, Cynthia also succumbed to cancer in September of 2007.

Mr. Williams early love for drawing and blueprints as a child led to a career in Civil Engineering, beginning with the Soil Conservation Service, where he was employed as an inspector. After attending Cal Poly State University, he eventually became an Engineering Technician for the County of Santa Barbara's Public Works Department.  After retiring from the County, Tom spent much of his free time as a full-time minister.

He passed away on June 30, in Lompoc, California.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his wife: Cynthia Williams, parents: Eddie & Dorothy Williams, sisters: Kim & Beverly Williams Grandparents: Bennie & Virginia Marie Woods and George & Nellie Williams

Mr. Thomas L. Williams precious memory will be cherished and his life remembered by many family members and friends- including his sons, Kenrick Williams of McKinleyville, CA and Garrin Williams of Lompoc, CA; Brothers: Eddie (Sheree) Williams Jr. of Cahokia, IL, and Kenneth A. Williams of Belleville, IL; Sisters: Bernice Salmond of Cahokia, Illinois, Mary C. (Charles) Medley of Springfield, IL., Jewel V. Williams of St. Louis, MO., Dana R. (Craig) Jackson of Belleville IL., Doris(Alfred) Irving of Columbus, GA.; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

For information on Mr. Williams' service, please call (707) 616-1831.