Tommy A. Williams

Tommy A. Williams, 76, of Poplar Bluff died Tuesday, July 28, 2009 at Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center.

Mr. Williams was born Nov. 4, 1932 in Camden, Tenn. He was of the Pentecostal faith, and had retired as an executive with the Chrysler Corp. During his earlier years he delivered milk for Wallis-Case Dairy. Mr. Williams was well known in the rodeo circuit as a roper, and also for riding his bull, Skipper during 4th of July rodeos. He enjoyed working with cattle, quarter horses, ranching, trout fishing and hunting. Mr. Williams was also a member of the Eagles Lodge.

On Jan. 20, 1951 he married Betty June Hicks in Pocahontas, AR. She preceded him in death in 1994.

Survivors include his son, Rev. Jerry Williams and his wife Rhonda, of Festus; companion and special friend, Polly Hurst of Poplar Bluff; grandchildren: Dana Brush and Chelsie Frost both of Poplar Bluff, Dustin Williams and Lindsey Williams both of Festus, Dale Williams of St. Louis, Wes Williams of O'Fallon, Mark Williams of St. Charles, Tisha Lewis of Findley, Ill. and Tina McRae of Italy; several great-grandchildren; one son-in-law, Daniel Frost and Kathy Barrett of Poplar Bluff and her children Jennifer Sneed of Zalma and Charles Barrett of Poplar Bluff; sisters, Mary DePriest Brown of St. Louis, Frances Dixon of Granite City, Ill. and Carolyn Williams of Moore, Okla.; and brothers, Basil Williams of Alton, Ill and Gerald Williams of Springdale, Ark.

Mr. Williams was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Ollie (Craig) Williams, a daughter, Diane Frost and a son, Tommy Eugene Williams.

Visitation will be from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday at Cotrell Funeral Chapel in Poplar Bluff. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the Chapel with his son, the Rev. Jerry Williams officiating and nephew, the Rev. Gary Williams assisting. Burial will be at Memorial gardens Cemetery in Poplar Bluff.