Terry Williams

A brave and courageous warrior for Christ, Terry Matthew Williams, left his earthly body on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the age of 51. He was born July 1, 1959 in Lancaster, to Dale and Maxine (Drake) Williams and spent his first 18 years living on the farm. He was a graduate of Amanda Clearcreek High School Class of 1977. Growing up on the farm and working alongside his dad and brother, Terry learned the value of hard work and that work ethic followed him all his life, whether in his occupation as a chimney sweep in earlier years or through his retirement from the Columbus Fire Department after 22 years of service. He enjoyed being a fireman and volunteered with the Amanda Fire Department for about ten years before being hired by Columbus on March 28, 1988. He woke up every day looking forward to going to work. He spent the majority of his time at Station 1 on Engine 9 and Ladder 1 and when promoted to Lieutenant he went to Station 5, Engine 5. Because of his struggles with cancer, he could no longer work on a truck and ended his career at the Alarm Office. We owe a debt of gratitude to the brotherhood of firefighters for all their help during his long siege. Terry loved his Savior and served Him by going on various mission trips (Honduras, Bolivia and Haiti) to do short-term projects which he felt changed his perspective on life. He deeply cared about people and did his best to help them whenever possible. He was preceded in death by his dad, Dale and brother, Mark, whom he was looking forward to seeing again. Those left behind are saddened to see him go as he has been such a strong, loving influence in their lives, but we are joyous to know that we will meet again one day. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Michelle (Wright); sons, Andy (April), Adam (girlfriend, Candace) and Daniel (Kelsey). The boys have been devoted and faithful to their dad, helping and loving him through his long battle with cancer. Also surviving, grandchildren, Alex, Anthony, Kenadi, Madison and Cameron; mother, Maxine (Drake) Williams; sister, Shirley (Dick) Curran, sisters-in-law, Vickie Williams, Denise (Ron) Coughlin, Natalie Wright (Pete Farley); brothers-in-law, Jason (Julie) Wright and Lance Wright; mother-in-law, Rosemary Underwood; father-in-law, Paul (Mary) Wright; two young couples he mentored, Josh and Melissa Singleton and Jon & Brooke Singleton; nieces, nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Terry loved the outdoors and enjoyed bow hunting and tube fishing. Another favorite pastime was working with wood. He was also a voracious reader and especially enjoyed reading his Bible. The family would like to extend their gratitude and thanks to Drs. Kristie Blum, Steven Devine and Ralph Romaker and staffs for their care and personal attention during Terry’s struggle with cancer. They also appreciate and thank Dr.& Mrs. Dan Tipton and their church family (Daybreak). During the last ten years of his life, he became very interested in establishing new churches that would help spread the Gospel as well as minister to the needs of the local people. If you would like to make a donation in his memory, in lieu of flowers, please send it to: Daybreak Church, P.O. Box 399, Etna, OH 43018. Terry died at home with the song, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus” playing in the background: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus, look full in His wondrous face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of His glory and grace.” There is a great void in our hearts but we are also so joyful thinking of him right now walking and talking with the Savior! Funeral service will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday July 30, 2010 at Ohio Christian University, 1476 Lancaster Pike (St. Rt. 22W) Circleville. Friends may call from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Wellman Funeral Home, Circleville. Burial will be in Amanda Twp. Cemetery.