Thomas Elmer Williams III, 76, of Denton passed away Saturday February 13, 2016 at his home in Robson Ranch from complications following surgery. He was born September 28, 1939 in Shreveport, Louisiana to Thomas and Mildred Williams. Tom attended Byrd High School in Shreveport and went on to graduate from LSU. He married Luanne Wingfield August 25, 1961 in Shreveport Louisiana and had two daughters, Lisa and Laurie.

Tom was a member of St. David of Wales Episcopal Church in Denton and was involved in many activities in his lifetime. Following graduation from LSU, Mr. Williams served his country as a First Lieutenent in The Air Force as a rocket scientist stationed at Edwards Air Force Base Jet Propulsion Laboratory where he helped develop the fuel that sent the first Gemini and Titan Rockets to the moon. Following his honorable discharge from the Air Force, he was hired by Texaco as a Petroleum Engineer and developed two patents which led to a safer and more efficient production of oil and gas in the industry. In his career, he traveled the world for exploration and production and additionally worked for Superior Oil. He eventually retired from Mobil Oil Company in 1997.

Mr. Williams served the various communities in which he lived including Copper Canyon, Tx where he was Mayor Pro Tem for 5 years and he was also elected to the Bartonville Water Board where he served for 8 years.

An avid tennis player, Tom, competed and won many club championships during the years he and his wife lived in Hilton Head Island, SC, but one of his favorite times was being a Finalist, along with his doubles partner, in the State of South Carolina's State Championship over 60s division in 2001.

The celebration of the life of Tom Williams will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church in Denton.

Tom is survived by his Wife Luanne Williams of Denton, daughter Lisa Briskie and her husband Dave of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, daughter Laurie Harrison of Jacksonville Beach, Florida and his beloved and faithful dog, Harry. Grandchildren include Brandon Moore of Tampa, FL, Christopher Riley of Dallas, TX, United States Army Specialist Hayden Harrison of Savannah, GA, Haleigh Harrison of Jacksonville Beach, FL, Melisa Briskie Wagoner of Coppell, TX and Danielle Briskie Lucas of Boston, MA. Great-Grandchildren include Addison and Jackson Bennett of Tampa, FL, and Brooklyn Moore of Tampa, FL. He is also survived by his sister, Elstner "Snurzey" Williams House and Brother In Law, William Harrison " Bozo" House III of Flower Mound TX, Brother In Law, James Liner of Minden, LA, Nieces Carol Ann Liner of Myrtle Beach, SC and Heather Bingham of Krum, TX, and Nephew, Brent House of Corinth, Tx.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made in his honor to the Alzheimers Association National Office 225 North Michigan Avenue, Floor 17, Chicago, IL 60601 alz.org and join them in praying for a swift cure to this tragic disease. Donations in his memory can also be made to St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, 623 Ector Street, Denton, TX 76201