Tyler Williams

Our beautiful son, Joseph Tyler Williams, 16, took his own life on August 31, 2015 in Georgetown, Texas. He was born December 4, 1998, and always loved water. If there was any kind of puddle, river, lake, or ocean, he could be found in the middle of it. He attended Georgetown High School where he was a proud member of the swim team. He worked as a lifeguard for the City of Georgetown and earned a Golden Whistle Award for outstanding lifeguarding. His favorite part of the job was when young children would bring him leaves and other random items as “gifts” from the pool.

Tyler was a member of Troop 460 in the Boy Scouts of America and had achieved the rank of Life Scout. He loved science in all forms, from building and launching homemade rockets to viewing meteor showers and hunting for minerals and fossils. Tyler also had a great deal of creative ability, which included art, cooking, and playing both the piano and trumpet. He loved reading, music, and movies, especially anything related to Star Wars, Doctor Who, or Lord of the Rings. Those who knew him may fondly recall his slight obsession with ninjas, and his many acrobatic jumps, rolls and flips, as well as his great sense of humor and uncanny knack for accents and impressions.

Tyler is survived by his heartbroken parents, Russell and Susan; his brothers, Ryan and Carson, and sister, Savannah. He also leaves his paternal grandmother, Ann Williams of Georgetown; maternal grandparents, Ken and Patsy Swinson of Georgetown; maternal great-grandmother Sue Ferrell of Kyle; uncle Kristopher Swinson of Lehi, Utah; aunt JoAnn (Rick) Lucas of Austin; aunt Marcia (Russ) Robinson of Austin; uncle Scott (Cynde) of Georgetown; aunt Kathleen (Wade) Christiansen of Katy; uncle Roger (Sherri) of Kyle; uncle Robert (Alona) of Jarrell; and many cousins and friends.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by the Cook-Walden Davis Funeral Home in Georgetown. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 5th at 11:30 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 218 Serenada Drive, Georgetown, Texas 78628. Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. at Liberty Hill Cemetery, 16101 State Hwy 29 West, Liberty Hill, Texas 78642.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donations to the GHS/EVHS Swim Booster Club to support the swim team that was Tyler's true pride and passion. Donations may be made online via PayPal at paypal.me/GHSSwim, or mailed to 3707 Cavu Road, Georgetown, Texas 78628. We want to express our gratitude for Tim Pukys, a coach who saw something special in Tyler and helped him develop abilities and habits he was proud of, and whom Tyler greatly respected.

Now Tyler is finally at rest, and we hold him close within us. Please hold him close, as we do, in your mind and spirit, and remember the meaning of this tragedy. Reach out to those in need of a friend, and let us honor the qualities and gifts that make each of us unique. Tell someone how much they mean to you even if you think they already know.

We are overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and support given to us during this difficult time. All photos, stories, and memories of Tyler are warmly welcomed here for any that wish to share.

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[The world] is behind. [Home] ahead.

And there are many paths to tread.

Thru shadow to the edge of night.

Until the stars are all alight.

Mist and twilight, cloud and shade,

Away shall fade! Away shall fade!

(Fellowship Of The Ring, Book 1, Chapter III, Three is Company)