Tommie G. Williams

Tommie G. Williams, 72, of Greenwood passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2025, with his wife, Rima, by his side.  A Celebration of Life Service will be Sunday, July 6 at North Greenwood Baptist Church with Dr. Jim Phillips officiating.  Visitation will be from 1-2 P.M. Sunday prior to the service.

Tommie was born in Leland, MS to Tommie Doyle Williams and Anne Williams Smith.  He received his B.S. from Mississippi State University in 1975 and his J.D. from the University of Mississippi in 1979.  He practiced law with the Upshaw Law Firm from 1979 until present with his son joining his firm in 2007.  He remained actively involved in his practice until the time of his passing.

Tommie is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers and a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates.  He has been recognized annually since 2006 by Mid-South Super Lawyers as one of the top medical malpractice attorneys in Mississippi.  In addition, he has been honored by The Best Lawyers in America since 2006 for his work in the defense of medical malpractice claims.  For 45 years Tommie’s practice had been dedicated to the defense of hospitals and medical professionals. Tommie was named the Mississippi Defense Lawyer of the Year in 2020.

Tommie was a faithful member of the North Greenwood Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.  Tommie was a member of Goose Pond Hunting Club where he could regularly be found chasing the elusive mallard drake.  In his spare time, Tommie could be found in the Louisiana marshes or on Greers Ferry Lake in Arkansas.  Tommie’s other hobbies included aviation, exercising, working in the yard and watching his grandchildren play their favorite sports.  Tommie loved to spend time with his family and friends.

Tommie was preceded in death by his father, Tommie Doyle Williams and his stepfather, Jay Y. Smith.  He is survived by his wife, Rima Edwards Williams; a daughter, Ryan Henderson (Jay) of Hattiesburg, MS; a son, Tommie G. Williams, Jr. (Heather) of Greenwood; his mother, Anne Williams Smith of Leland and three grandchildren, Ryder Ellen Henderson of Hattiesburg, Jace Strong Henderson of Hattiesburg and Smith Gregory Williams of Greenwood.

Honorary pallbearers are Jim Hardin, Johnny Walker, Ray Archer, Hank Hargrove, Reggie Dill, Marc Biggers, Eddie Stuckey, Martin Tribble and the partners of Upshaw Law Firm.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the North Greenwood Baptist Church Smith Edwards Scholarship fund, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Pillow Academy or the charity of donor’s choice.

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” Joshua 1: 9

“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” 2 Corinthians 1: 3-4

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day-and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.  2 Timothy 4: 7-8

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