[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 99 (Wednesday, July 6, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING TOM W. WILLIAMS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BARBARA LEE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 6, 2011

  Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of 
Tom W. Williams, Jr., founding partner and CEO of Williams, Adley & 
Company, LLP (Williams Adley), and a dedicated community leader, 
husband, father and mentor. With Mr. Williams' passing on June 22, 
2011, we are reminded of his life's journey and the joyful legacy he 
inspired.
  Known for his business acumen, integrity and generosity, Mr. Williams 
was a giant in the Bay Area business community and accounting 
profession. A California licensed Certified Public Accountant with a 
bachelor's degree from Berkeley's Armstrong College, Mr. Williams 
entered a career in public accounting with KPMG, LLP in 1972.
  After leaving KPMG in 1980, Mr. Williams co-founded Williams Adley in 
September of 1982. Bolstered by the partners' guidance and hard work, 
the firm grew from a small 8(a) entity, into one of the nation's 
leading minority-owned small business firms. With current California 
locations in Oakland and San Francisco, as well as offices in 
Huntsville, Alabama and Washington, D.C., Williams Adley has built a 
successful clientele, serving Federal agencies, State and local 
government, non-profit entities, small businesses and individuals. The 
firm has provided crucial audit, accounting, tax and management 
consulting services for nearly 3 decades.
  Under Mr. Williams' leadership, Williams Adley has received numerous 
accolades from various government agencies and the surrounding business 
community. In fact, just this month, Assemblymember Sandre Swanson and 
the California State Legislature recognized Mr. Williams as the 
Assemblymember's Small Business Leader of the Year during its 
California Small Business Day reception.
  Mr. Williams' passion for his company and staff was only surpassed by 
his incredible devotion to his family and community. He supported 
numerous civic organizations, professional associations and charities, 
acting as a founding director and past president of the San Francisco 
Chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) and 
serving the Committee on Government Auditing of the California Society 
of Certified Public Accountants.
  Mr. Williams was also an enthusiastic mentor to young professionals, 
encouraging them to pursue their goals through self-awareness, higher 
education and volunteerism. Williams Adley Oakland staff have 
volunteered countless hours of expertise and financial support to 
organizations such as the Alameda County Family Justice Center, United 
Way, American Cancer Society, National Association of Black 
Accountants, Girl Scouts, and the Alameda County Community Food Bank. 
Mr. Williams also shared his astute business talents on Capitol Hill. 
He spent countless hours educating Members of Congress about small and 
minority business issues. He was focused, persistent and patient, and 
my staff and I relied on his wisdom and ``marching orders.''
  Tom was so much a part of my life on so many fronts. We were friends 
as well as colleagues. I will always remember the two conversations we 
had a few days prior to his death. He was cheerful, and as always, 
encouraging. Tom supported my campaigns, as he did many candidates, and 
his generosity helped me in so many ways. We will miss his smile, his 
voice, his phone calls, his meetings and his awesome presence in our 
lives.
  Today, California's 9th Congressional District salutes and honors a 
great individual and a stalwart community leader, Mr. Tom W. Williams, 
Jr. Mr. Williams spent his entire career seeking to improve and expand 
business opportunities for small businesses and minority firms. The 
contributions he made to others throughout his life are countless and 
enduring. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, his son and his 
extended group of loved ones and friends. He will be deeply missed. May 
his soul rest in peace.

                          ____________________