Thomas E Williams

Thomas Williams, 78, of Ashland, died Thursday, September, 28 at Belmont Tower. 

Born February 23, 1945 in Ashland, Ohio he was the son of Ross and Mildred (Steward)Williams. Tom was a 1963 graduate of Black River High School, 1967 graduate of Ashland College, and earned a Master’s Degree from Xavier University.  Tom began his teaching and coaching career at New London Local Schools, but was more well known as a longtime special education teacher, middle school athletic director, and coach for the Ashland City Schools.  His twenty year tenure as the Ashland Girls’ Softball coach included many league championships and a trip to the Division 1 State Championship Game in 1996.  Tom was also a longtime player and manager of men’s fastpitch softball teams as well.  Tom was inducted into the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame in 2000 and also a member of the ASA and OHSAA Softball Coaches’ Halls of Fame. Affectionately known by his friends as Tubo, he was known to join the guys for breakfast to solve all of the area and world problems. Tom touched many lives through his time in the schools and at Brookside Park, but his family will remember him for his devotion to them.  Tom was known to brag about his grandsons to anyone within earshot.

Tom is survived by his wife, Donna (Pheifer) Williams whom he married April 12, 1969; his two children, Tom (Tammy) Williams of Jeromesville, OH and Teri Williams (Kraig Kline) of Ashland, OH; his grandsons Trey and Ty; his siblings, Ron (Sheri) Williams, Rick (Beth) Williams, and Laura Reed; Sister-In-Laws Carol Williams, Jane (Robert) Lavengood, Nancy (Bill) Mesenburg, and Linda (Lennie) May. Brother in laws Robert (Bev) Pheifer, Rick (Melanie) Pheifer, and Scott (Dawn) Pheifer. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Jim and brother-in-law Dave Reed.  

Friends may call from 4-7PM Sunday, October 1, 2023 at Roberts Funeral Home, 1058 US 250, Ashland.  Funeral services will be held at 10:00AM Monday, October 2, 2023 also at Roberts Funeral Home.  Burial will be held at Ashland County Memorial Park after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ashland County Sports Hall of Fame and Brethren Care Village.