Thomas Manley Williams

Tom Williams, also known as “Tom Terrific,” has passed from earthly life to eternal life at the age of 80 years young. He passed away peacefully in his home with his beloved wife Judy and family by his side.

Tom was solid in his Christian faith, and he believed that he would be with God one day. Tom and Judy helped so many people over the years with their belief by facilitating Disciple Bible studies and going on mission trips. There were trips to Redbird Mission in Kentucky, Costa Rica, Jamaica, and Mexico.

Tom graduated with a degree in Geology from Georgia State University and had post-graduate hours in Hydrogeology from Oklahoma State University.

Tom “Terrific” was widely known for his beautiful smile and friendliness. He loved to talk with his friends, especially about Geology and Rocks and Minerals. When you asked him to tell the short story, he told the “long” short story!

Geology was his passion and he loved his 40 years as a professional Geologist, first as a Petroleum Exploration Geologist and later as a Hydro and Environmental Geologist. Tom’s retirement years were spent perfecting his lapidary skills, which were impressive. He made numerous pieces of jewelry for his wife Judy and his family and friends. He taught lapidary to many of his friends at the senior center. It was his joy. His other joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren. He and Judy loved to go on adventures, especially out into the forests and deserts of the Southwest on field trips to collect mineral specimens. He also loved travel and he and Judy had wonderful trips over the years. His favorite places were Alaska, Rocky Mountain National Park, Hawaii, Arizona, San Diego, Miami and the Florida Keys, the Jemez, Gila, Zuni and Sacramento mountains, and any other place that had minerals! A rockhounding excursion was always part of the agenda, except for one trip to England.

He is survived by his loving wife of 25 years and his best friend of 34 years, Judy Jacobs Williams; his daughter Marie Williams Barnes (Jeff) of Doral, FL, stepchildren, Susan Florsheim of Los Ranchos, NM, Henry Florsheim (Kimberly) of Cedar Hill, TX and Jay Florsheim of New Iberia, LA; his brother Olin Williams (Mickie) of Lawrenceville, GA; grandchildren: Payton Florsheim Fontenot (Lance), Johnathan Florsheim (Kloe), Isabelle Florsheim, Aphie Florsheim (Vinny), Emily Florsheim, Dakota Florsheim, Elizabeth Florsheim, Jennifer Florsheim, Kali Florsheim, Liliana Trujillo and Ricardo Heffner-Mendoza (Chloe); a niece, two nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, even a great-great niece and nephew. He also had many beloved cousins throughout the US.

Tom’s professional memberships included: The Geological Society of America, American Institute of Professional Geologists, National Groundwater Association, and Society of Exploration Geophysicists. He was a long-time member of the Albuquerque Gem and Mineral Club and a member of St. John’s United Methodist Church.

A celebration of Tom’s life will take place in Albuquerque at a later date.