Reverend Thomas “Vander” Williams, son of the late Charlie & Margaret Smalls Williams; was born February 2, 1930, in the Jonesville Community of Yemassee, South Carolina. He was educated in the public school system and graduated from Yemassee High School in 1950. Upon his graduation, Reverend Williams enlisted with the U.S. Air Force and served honorably until his discharge. Returning home, he became employed with the International Longshoremen of Charleston, SC, and remained until his retirement in 1991.
At an early age, Rev. Williams accepted the Lord as his Savior and was a baptized follower of Christ. He was a member of the Mount Nebo Baptist Church and soon realized that there was a higher calling on his life. In 1976, Rev. Williams moved his membership to the First Freedom Missionary Baptist Church. It was under the leadership of the late Reverend John Brown, that Reverend Thomas Williams accepted his call into ministry, and became ordained to preach and teach the gospel of Jesus Christ. He ministered throughout various places during his tenure, most recently, he served as an associate minister with First Freedom Baptist Church of Yemassee, South Carolina.
A man of humbleness, he was one of little words, but big actions. He often sought to serve his community. He along with several others, began the Intercommunity Development Organization Volunteer Fire Department, later to become the Colleton County Fire Rescue. During his time of service, he has become a firefighter, a paramedic, a first responder, and finally, he received the office of “Chief” for Station 13.
A devoted husband, loving father and grandfather, and a servant of the Most High God; his life has spoken volume to all who knew and loved him. On Monday, October 18, 2021, Reverend Williams traded time for eternity. His passing has left a void, but the memories will forever, be a comfort to all who knew and loved him.
Preceding him in death are two sisters and four brothers.
Left to embrace fond memories: wife, Martha Williams of North Carolina: Children; Reverend Kardell (Lorine) Ferguson, and Cheryl (Silas) Ferguson both of Yemassee, SC; Elder N. Leon (Merilyn) Williams of Walterboro, SC; Violet Wallace of Hendersonville, NC; and Reverend Ronnie (Gwendolyn) Williams of Charleston, SC; Step-children: Francis (Jimmie) Dixon, Texas; Romeater (Terry) Anderson of Beaufort, SC; Jerome Powell of Walterboro, SC; James Sneed of Fayetteville, NC; Keyka Vereen of Atlanta, GA; Maria (Tonnie) Little of Maryland and Zella (Gary) Kalisch of New Jersey: raised as a daughter, Carol Phoenix of Brooklyn, NY: sister-in-laws, Mary Lee Chisolm of N. Charleston, SC and Samuela (Rev. Prince) Polite of Walterboro, SC: along with a host of numerous grands, great- grands, great great-grands, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
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