Tony M. Williams Sr.

Born in Knoxville, he moved to Greeneville with his family at a young age. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. Tony was known as one of the premier brick masons in Greene County.

Baseball was one of his favorite pastimes and he was a devoted fan of the Greeneville Astros, attending games as long as his health permitted. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. His passion for fishing was passed on to his sons, Tony and Jeff, and they spent many hours at Douglas and Cherokee Lakes fishing and camping together. For many years he was devoted to the Shriners and their pumpkin sales, and became known as “the Pumpkin Man.” He will long be remembered for his practical jokes and sense of humor.

He was a member of Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church, was an active member of Greeneville Moose Lodge, Greeneville Wood Ministry, Beersheba Masonic Lodge, Greeneville Eastern Star and the Greeneville Shrine Club. His circle of friends far exceeded his professional and civic affiliations. Lovingly known as “Big Tony” by his sons’ friends, he had an open invitation to their many outings and activities and took great joy in spending time with them. He was very caring and giving to people less fortunate than him.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Hilda Barham Williams, in 2005; three sisters: Angeline Ottinger, Mary Neal and Polly Nease; and five brothers: Frank Jr., Santino, Nick, Howard, Carl and Frank Williams.

Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law: Tony Lynn and Judy Williams, Jeff and Rhonda Williams; a special grandson: Jordan Williams; several nieces and nephews; and special friends: Joe Williams, Dorena Neece, Larry Nicolaysen, Rosemary Adee, Joe Nikocaj, Tony Nikocaj, Michelle Williams, Steve and Margaret Hill and Savannah Faith.

The family will receive friends from 2pm-4pm and 6pm-8pm Friday at Kiser-Rose Hill Funeral Home.

The body will be taken to Greeneville Cumberland Presbyterian Church to lie in state from 12:30pm to 1:30pm prior to the funeral service at 2pm. Pastor Jamie Lively and Pastor Abby Cole Keller will officiate.

Interment will follow at GreeneLawn Memory Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be Harold Ricker, David Andrew, Oscar Payne, Buddy Brown, Tom Clark, Danny Williams, Jimmy Schofield, and Bill Gott.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Greeneville Shrine Club, Dr. Kenneth Susong, George Toth, Richard Hopson, Tom Hopson, and Tom McCamey.

The family would like express a heartfelt thank you to the staff of Laughlin Memorial Hospital 3 West, the staff of Laughlin Health Care West Wing, Physical, Occupational and Restorative Therapy, Nurse Practitioner Leslie Henry, Dr. Carla Nickle, Dr. Mandeep Bakshi, Dr. David Beals, Dr. Steven Prince, Dr.Thomas Annett, Dr. Ann Chang, Nurse Practitioner Priscilla Lynch and Becca Gosnell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital or the Greene County Wood Ministry.