Thomas Harries Williams, age 75, of Stillwater, passed from this life to life eternal, on Wednesday, January 17, 2024 at Stillwater Medical Center. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, January 27, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, Stillwater, with Rev. Katie Collins, officiating.

Born September 7, 1948 in Carmarthen, Dyfed, Wales, UK, to Dr. Eric Idwal Williams and Mary Harries Williams. The family immigrated to the United States in 1961, settling in Stillwater. He married Emily Taff Williams on October 28, 1989 in Ardmore, OK.

Thomas attended C.E.Donart (Stillwater) High School, graduating in 1967. Thomas subsequently attended and graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1972. During this time, he took a year to serve as a drill sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves and finished his time in the military with the rank of Staff Sergeant (SSG). After completing university, he worked in various positions, including being a Field Consultant for his fraternity, Delta Tau Delta, Transportation Director for Central Soya in Ohio, road construction, agri-business and sales, Water Superintendent for the City of Ardmore, OK, Transportation Coordinator for Stillwater Public Schools, and Executive Director of the YMCA in both Ardmore and Stillwater.

He was a faithful member of First Presbyterian Church, where he operated the sound booth for worship services each week; of Kiwanis Club, where he served as Lieutenant-Governor in Ardmore and Stillwater; Stillwater City Councilman for six years; Stillwater Public Education Foundation (SPEF), and Stillwater Community Foundation (SCF) serving as secretary for both; a co-organizer of the Christmas Parade of Lights for 28 years as well as serving as a "Santa Claus" and the Parade Marshall in 2023. In his "retirement," he drove buses for OSU, including the BOBs, and for Stillwater Public Schools. He also had a lawn care business on the side with his son, and enjoyed promoting his Welsh heritage and background at Celtic Festivals in Oklahoma.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Eric and Mary Williams, and his brother-in-law, Perry Phillips.

He is survived by his wife, Emily Taff Williams, of the home; his son (of whom he was extremely proud), U.S. Army SSG Bryn Williams, stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany; one brother, Mike Williams (Kathy), La Quinta, CA; one sister, Betsi Williams Phillips of Tulsa, and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Stillwater Community Foundation, in care of Treasurer Dr. Mike Woods, P.O. Box 425, Stillwater, OK 74076.

The family would like to thank the Third Floor Personnel at Stillwater Medical Center, Dr. Woody G. Jenkins, and Nurses and Personnel with Karman Legacy Hospice, for the comfort they extended to Tom and to us. And heartfelt thanks go to all Tom's friends and family who visited, called and have sent cards. We appreciate you all more than you will ever know.