Physically, he was a man of robust stature, tall, always impeccably and appropriately attired and well groomed, with a measured, rhythmic way of speaking that surely he could never have been misunderstood. As a member and servant of our Family of God, he was a giant of a go-to guy. He was the man who could get things done, the man who could make things happen, and when he could not, he knew someone who could . . . or knew someone who knew someone. However necessary, when there was a job to be done, it was done — thanks to the giant we know as Thomas J. Williams.
When it came to taking care of our House of God, Tom was always on task, ever watchful, every vigilant to the point that not even a picture was misaligned by as much as a millimeter. When it came to taking care of the Family, he took great care, and not just the Family of God who calls themselves “South Main Baptist Church.” His compassion and caring were immense, spreading like water that creeps out of its banks over long, long stretches of time, until the stuff – the people – that it nourishes along the way are caught up in the web of his relentless care until firmly tucked into the folds of Christian love. And their lives are changed for the better.
Earlier today, following a memorial service for Tom, we gathered in the Fellowship Hall. The crowd was thick, and the fare fitting for our dear giant. Passing through clusters of folks as they nibbled, one could catch snatches of “Tom” stories. And making several stops to converse with folks, some of us exchanged Tom stories and others who were relatively new to the South Main family, wanted to hear even more Tom stories.
It was difficult to leave that gathering. That is how it is when dealing with the loss of one who was much loved and respected. There is a tendency to cling to each other and share joy for having crossed his path, grief for having to say farewell, and joy that he no longer suffers, having breathed his last here, and his first There. Tears and laughter can make a great combination – when mixed with relentless care.
