Dr. Howard Thomas "Tom" Williams August 23, 1945 - May 22, 2025 Dr. Howard Thomas "Tom" Williams, age 79, passed away on May 22, 2025, in Biloxi, Mississippi. He was born on August 23, 1945, in New Orleans, Louisiana, to Samuel Ray Williams and Dovie Derene Espy Williams. Tom's remarkable 54-year career in education began in 1967 when he started teaching at Peeples Junior High School in Jackson, Mississippi. A 1963 graduate of Provine High School and 1967 graduate of Mississippi State University, where he was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order, Tom earned his master's and specialist degrees from Mississippi College and his doctorate from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1988. His distinguished career included teaching at Wingfield High School, where he was named Mississippi State Teacher of the Year in 1982—one of his proudest achievements. He served as principal at Callaway, Murrah, and Chastain schools before joining Mississippi College as an adjunct professor in 1989, eventually becoming chair of the Department of Teacher Education and Leadership. In 2001, he was honored as a Distinguished Professor at Mississippi College. He continued working at Mississippi College in various capacities until 2021. Beyond the classroom, Tom coached basketball and tennis, was named Mississippi Association of Coaches Coach of the Year, and served as Mississippi College's NCAA faculty athletics representative. The Mississippi College School of Education recognized him as Alumni of the Year, reflecting his lifelong commitment to education and mentoring. Named after his Uncle Howard Williams, who was missing in action during World War II, Tom lived by the principles his mother taught him: "Always treat people as you would like to be treated." His personal expectations included being kind to everyone every day, working hard at every task, and applying Christian principles to every situation. Tom found his greatest joy in family. He married his beloved wife Mary in a simple, meaningful ceremony at their Madison home on March 11, 1994, after which they enjoyed over thirty years of marriage. As Tom reflected on his life, he realized that his definition of perfect happiness had evolved over the years. As a teenager, happiness meant playing basketball anywhere, anytime. In his early career, it was found in his work as a teacher and coach. But in his later years, he discovered that true happiness came from family relationships—his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He treasured holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas, calling them "wonderful times" to see everyone and reconnect. In retirement, Tom found what he called "perfect happiness" in being involved in his grandchildren's lives. He delighted in watching them play football, soccer, and baseball, perform in band and dance recitals, participate in art activities, and run cross country. These moments with his family became the source of his greatest joy, and he said that since retiring, "involvement with the kids and grands have truly been a time of perfect happiness." After 54 dedicated years in education, Tom embraced retirement with the same enthusiasm he brought to teaching. He looked forward to "grandchildren to visit, a yard to keep up, travels with my wife to embark on, and many, many books to read." The joy of retirement became one of life's greatest surprises for him. Tom and Mary became passionate travelers, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Their 2021 road trip to Key West, Florida, which Tom called his "first really big (planned) trip," took them down the Atlantic Coast and back along the Gulf Coast. Their adventures continued with an exciting trip to Cuba, where they visited Hemingway's home and explored the historic old parts of the city. Tom often expressed his desire to return to Cuba, Key West, and Alaska, places that had captured his heart and created some of his most cherished memories with Mary. Those who knew Tom remember him as a man of integrity and kindness. His advice to future generations was simple: "Always do your best at everything you do. Put your family first. Choose a career that you enjoy. Follow God's commandments." He often reflected that his relationships were his crowning achievement, saying, "the many wonderful students I taught will always be part of my memories." Tom is preceded in death by his father, Samuel Ray Williams; mother, Dovie Derene Williams; son, Christopher Williams; step-son, Jon Martin; and sister, Derene Bozeman. Tom is survived by his loving wife, Mary M. Williams; two daughters, Amy (Dr. James Harrison) Harrison of Clinton, MS, and Jennifer (Justin) Clem of Olive Branch, MS; son Dr. Trey Martin (Rebecca) of Madison, MS; brother, Glen (Helen) Williams; two brothers-in-law, Bill Mixon and Hugh (Melinda) Mixon; thirteen grandchildren: Brooke Harrison, Matthew Harrison, Jack Harrison, Avery Harrison, Brody Clem, Ryder Clem, Finley Clem, Alex (Dr. Miller Richmond) Richmond, Baxter Martin, Jon David Martin, Carson Martin, Kaelyn Thomas, and Andrew Thomas; and two great-grandchildren, Jacob Newman and Margaret Richmond. Visitation will be Sunday May 25, 2025 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home in Madison from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm. A visitation will be Monday May 26, 2025 at Natchez Trace Funeral Home from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM with a funeral service celebrating his life in the Natchez Trace Funeral Home Chapel at 11:00 AM, with the interment at 3 pm in New Augusta Cemetery on New Augusta Cemetery Road in New Augusta, Mississippi 39462. The link for making a gift in memory of Tom Williams is Mc.edu/give or you make click the tab on the left (In Lieu of Flowers). Donors should indicate that the gift is in memory of Tom Williams in the space indicated on the website and select other as the designation when prompted. All gifts made in his memory will be directed to the Alan D. Lowe Scholarship Fund.