Thomas Ray Williams

Thomas Ray Williams, 80, left us peacefully on December 11, 2024 at home with his family by his side. He was the son of Ruth Knight Williams and Raymond “Toad” Williams. He was a beloved son, father, brother, uncle, partner and friend to many.

Tom was one of six children. He was preceded in death by siblings: Hank Williams, Beverly Fiorentino, Sharon Stow and Robert Williams. Surviving is Buzz Williams.

Tom had four children: Raymond Williams (deceased), Rhonda Williams Pauley, Jodie Nelson and Kelly Williams. He is survived by his life partner of 35 years, Karen Crelling, and they resided in Edwardsburg, MI, and enjoyed living at Eagle Lake. Tom is also survived by his grandchildren, Matt Horvath, Thomas Williams, Daniel Williams and Mia Williams, as well as great-grandchildren, Jackson Horvath, Kendall Horvath, Waylon Williams and Walker Williams.

Tom worked as sales manager at Dexter Axle for 25 years and then retired 1989. In 1993, he opened Axle, Inc., which is a distributor of axles.

Tom was a huge fan of the Cubs and of baseball in general. He especially loved going to Cubs games and watching them on TV with friends. Over the years, some of his hobbies included scuba diving, boating and traveling. He was a “people person” and always had a joke or funny story for anyone he met.

Tom had a huge love for his family and attended every family function he could, including many of his kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews sporting events, over the span of many years.

Tom also enjoyed spending time with his many friends at Stacy’s restaurant in Edwardsburg. He was a Shriner for the last twenty years and a Free Mason since 1966.

A celebration of life will be held at a future date. Elkhart Cremation Services has been entrusted with the arrangements.

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