Thomas Williams Obituary

Thomas O. Williams Jr.

Dec 5, 1941 - Sep 25, 2022

Sandusky

Thomas O. Williams Jr., 80, passed away Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at home in Sandusky.

Tom is survived by his wife of 18 years, Betty Swogger Williams; brother, Robert (Joyce) of South Bend, Indiana; brothers-in-law, Edward Battison (Alice) of Cortland, John Battison (Kathy) of Hartford, Ohio, and Terry Battison (Kim) of Electra, Texas; stepson, Raymond Swogger (Julie) of O'Fallon, Illinois; 13 nieces and nephews; 17 great-nieces and great-nephews; and five stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his father, Thomas Sr.; mother, Isobel; and sister, Marge Ann.

Tom was a lifelong resident of northern Ohio, living the majority of life in Cortland and Sandusky.

Tom was born Dec. 5, 1941, in Youngstown. He moved to Cortland in 1951 where he enjoyed small-town country living. A graduate of Cortland High School, he enjoyed sports and was a member of the school's baseball team. His education continued at Ohio University in Athens, where he earned a Fine Arts Degree in photography and journalism. Tom had a wonderful eye for great photography and how to tell a story in pictures. Family and friends benefited from his heart-warming pictures of individuals and events that enhance memories to this very day.

His professional career began in Newark, Ohio, as chief photographer for the Newark Advocate newspaper. He enjoyed meeting a wide variety of people from politicians to high school athletes. Friday night football assignments seemed a particular joy, even in the rain and snow of football season.

Tom was called to military service in 1966. Following basic and advanced infantry training, he served in the Republic of Vietnam with the 1st Air Calvary. He finished his military service at Fort Benning, Georgia. Tom was awarded a Purple Heart, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Vietnam Campaign with device, Air Medal, Bronze Star with device, 2 OS bars, National Defense Service Medal, and Expert Rifleman awards for his service. Tom was reluctant to speak about the war, but maintained a strong and positive view of his country.

His professional photography career resumed following military service when he joined Sandusky Register. There, he made many lifelong friends that enhanced his love of life and community. Supporting local political candidates was also an interest of his. Changes of life are common for everyone and Tom was no exception. He joined Ohio Department of Transportation (District 3) and had an 18-year career as an inspector on major road projects in the Sandusky area. He retired in 2003.

Tom had a strong sense of faith and studied to be a lay minister and deacon at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Sandusky. This faith was combined with a powerful sense that the good in most people will always come out. He rarely had unkind words to say about anyone.

Tom's life underwent a major change in 2005 when he met and married the love of his life, Betty, in Hartford. Their 18 years together in Hartford and Sandusky brought him joy and comfort as a couple building a life together. After many years in Hartford, he and Betty returned to Sandusky where they continued to make their time together a joy.

Participation in community activities was an important part of his life. Among organizations he was a part of were American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Lions Club (Cortland), Sandusky Photography Club, Sandusky Sailing Club, Erie County Conservation League, and Historical Society of Cortland. Tom loved the water and sailing and enjoyed many hours sailing on Sandusky Bay and Caribbean.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 14, 2022, at David F. Koch Funeral & Cremation Services, 520 Columbus Ave., Sandusky.

A celebration of life event will be in the spring in Trumbull County.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Tom's name can be sent to American Heart Association, 3540 Secor Rd., Toledo, Ohio, 43606, American Cancer Society, 43099 North Ridge Rd., Elyria, Ohio, 44035, or American Diabetes Association, 4500 Rockside Rd., Suite 440, Independence, Ohio, 44131.

Your memories and words of comfort may be shared with Tom's family at davidfkoch.com.