Thomas J. Williams Sr's Obituary
Mr. Thomas James Williams Sr, age 82, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 16, 2023. He was born on May 6, 1941 to Josephine Steenhoven in Muskegon. Tom enlisted in the United States Navy in 1959 where he completed training for Underwater Demolition Team (UDT). While enlisted, the unit was renamed to what it is still called today, and Tom was Honorably Discharged as a Navy SEAL. Tom married the love of his life, Lana Chandler, on March 3, 1961 in Muskegon and spent 62 wonderful years together. Tom worked for GR Gravel as a general manager, Certified Concrete as a level 2 concrete technician, and Kalkman Redi-Mix and Port City Redi-Mix as a general manager before retiring after 42 years in the business. His work in sales mixed with his military service usually found Tom or his family running into people who knew him all around the United States. Tom enjoyed hunting, golfing, trap shooting, and playing baseball. He had a strong love for the Lord, and his selflessness was felt by everyone around him. Above all else, Tom loved his family. He adored his wife and created countless fond memories with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great great-grandchildren. Tom will be deeply missed by his wife, Lana; children, Will (Marcia) Shanafelt, Connie Williams, Thomas (Sherry) Williams Jr; Tammy (Kerry) Swisher, and Richard Lee (Brandy) Williams; grandchildren, Erin Gensen and Zack Shanafelt, Randall Springstead Jr. and Natasha Spaniola, Nathan Williams, Brittany (Trevor) Beck, and Christopher (Rachel) Williams, Heather (Danny) Snow, Jacob Swisher, and Joshua (Krystiana) Swisher, and Felicia Williams, Desiree (Nate) Neading, and Courtney Williams; 18 great-grandchildren; 5 great great-grandchildren; siblings, Carolyn Hansen, Richard (Peggy) Williams, and Harry (Janey) Williams; brother-in-law, Jim (Glenna) Chandler; and sister-in-law, Rhonda Messenger. He was preceded in death by his mother, Josephine Steenhoven and her fiancé, Earl Schei; special aunt and uncle, John and Cora Steenhoven; and brother-in-law, Jack Hansen. A Memorial Service will be held 11:00AM, Thursday, October 26 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00AM. Please feel free to share a memory with the family online at www.sytsemafh.com. Please click on the following link to livestream the service for Tom: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1jUrz8g3usg
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