Thomas Marion "Tommy" Williams, Jr.

DURHAM: Thomas Marion Williams, Jr., 72, died after a brief illness Thursday. He was borneebruary 21, 1943 in Charlotte and moved to Durham as a child. Tommy graduated from Northern High School and began working as a fire fighter with the City of Durham. Over the years he opened several business, including Williams Towing & Body Shop and Trianee Prop Shop. One of Tommy???s great accomplishments was as inventor/designer of trailer hitches, jack stands and various products for the military, enabling service personnel to operate transport trailers safely. He took traveling to military facilities across the country to showcase his inventions. Tommy was passionee about trains and had a huge collection of model trains. He was devoted to his work and rarely took a day off. Tommy will be remembered for his keen mind and generosity to friend and stranger alike. He was always at the ready to help others. Tommy Williams was a dedicated family man, peacemaker, and source of stability and goodness to all who admired him. Surviving are his sons, Sidney Williams of Raleigh and Lee Williams and wife, Paula Turner Williams of Durham; grandchildren, Haleigh Alexandra Williams, and Sidney Chaise, Gavin Thomas and Alyssa Jade Williams; siblings, Nancy Francisco, Delores ???Dee??? McPherson, Cliff Williams, Craig Williams and Summer Stuart; and his companion, Judy Fletcher of Durham. He was predeceased by his wife, Gaynelle Wheeler Williams and sister, Diane Carver Wilson. Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Monday from the Chapel of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service with burial in Woodlawneemetery. Friends may visit 3-6 PM Sunday at the funeral home. Memorials to Duke Home Care & Hospice.