Obituary of Thomas John Williams

Born in Shreveport Louisiana on August 17, 1943 to Virginia Woodrow Williams and Charles Thomas Williams, Jr. Tommy was the oldest of seven children. Tommy’s father was stationed at Barksdale Air Field in Northwest Louisiana as a B17 pilot at the time of Tommy’s birth.

Tommy dedicated his life to defending our great nation and protecting humanity. Tom served in the Navy in the early sixties (1961-1965). He was stationed in Iceland and on-board a battleship where they affectionately called him a “Kiddy-Crusier” because he joined the military in his senior year of high school, when he was seventeen. Tommy comes from a long line of honorable men. Tommy’s father served during World War II as an Airman in the Army AirCorps.

After his military service, Tommy became a Hartford Police Officer in Connecticut. During his twenty-two years on the beat (1969-1991), he served on the Bomb Squad for thirteen years (1978-1991). His daughters often tell the story of how their Dad tried to ‘blow up’ the in-ground pool in the Harwinton house because he said that was quicker than demoing it with a sledgehammer. After his long career as a Hartford Police Officer, Tommy continued his public service working for the State of Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicle.

Tommy was an avid firearms enthusiast. Throughout his career and into retirement Tommy remained a member of numerous gun clubs: The National Rifle Association, Millerton Gun Club, Andover Sportsman Club, Rockville Fish and Game Club, Springfield Sportsman Club, and the Hartford Gun Club to name just a few.

Nicknamed “Tommy Gun” for his outstanding marksmanship, he competed and won many national and international shooting competitions: The International Defense Pistol Association (IDPA), International Practical Shooting Confederation (IPSC), and the United States Practical Shooting Association (USPSA). Tommy passed on his love of firearms to his sons, daughters, grand-daughters and grand-son. He was always up for a day at the range, even if it was during Thanksgiving dinner.

Tommy was an avid scuba diver, motorcycle enthusiast, and still photographer. Throughout his life Tommy was a fixer of all things made of metal. A talented mechanic, Tommy often had car parts sprawled out on living room carpets and kitchen tables. His garage was his workshop where he found solace. Many deep and insightful talks took place between him and his children as they handed him tools while he put together a corvette or truck engine.

Tommy is survived by his devoted wife of 38 years, Pamela (Balkum) Williams, six children: Michelle Williams and daughter Madeline Ava Harle of Stony Point, NY, Karen Marie Williams Davidson and husband Gerard Davidson and their daughters Fiona Jane Davidson and Sophie Marie Davidson of Ramsey NJ, Kelly Jean Williams and her husband Paul Torres Sr. and daughter Samantha Jane Iannone and son Nicholas William Iannone and step-son Paul Torres II. of Cheshire CT, Michael Thomas Williams and his girlfriend Emily Paquette of Coventry CT, Timothy John Williams and his fiance Susan DeSocio of Coventry and Manchester CT respectively, and Justin James Williams and his wife Kaitlyn Skerrett Williams of Norfolk, VA. Tommy is also survived by his two sisters-in-law Ellen Haley and Nina Balkum and his nephew Brian Haley and wife Shannon and their daughter Madison.

Tommy grew up in a full house of love with his parents and six siblings Patricia Williams Olsen, Sandra Williams Billingsley, Robert Williams, Janette Williams Anderson (deceased 2017) Sharon Williams, and Wendi Williams.

Thomas John Williams 77, of Coventry, CT passed on Thursday, December 10, 2020 at Manchester Memorial Hospital, on that day and into the night he was surrounded by his family. Tommy’s light will shine forever in the hearts of all those who knew him.

We have waited ever so patiently until we could gather safely to celebrate Tommy's amazing life. Please join our family on 7/18/2021 at 10:30 am in the Italian Shrine at Wickham Park, 1329 West Middle Turnpike, Manchester, CT. A private reception to follow.

It has been said a father's love is forever imprinted on his child's heart. Our father continues to be loved and therefore remains by our side, ALWAYS.