Senator Tommie Williams began his first term as a state senator in the 1999 Legislative
Session. He represents the 6th District in south Georgia. Senator Williams is a Toombs
County native. His family has lived the area for over 150 years.
Senator Williams serves as a member of the Agriculture; Economic Development, Tourism
and Cultural Affairs; Health and Human Services; and the Transportation committees.
Senator Williams speaks three languages, Hebrew, Italian and Spanish, and has taught
English language classes in China and farming in Israel and Belize.
After his world travel, Senator Williams returned to south Georgia to teach at Toombs
County High School. Additionally, he became a Vidalia onion farmer.
In 1987, Senator Williams opened Georgia Pine Straw, Inc., a native pine straw marketer
to landscapers and retail outlets across the United States and Canada. His company has
grown into a multi-million dollar business with expected sales of $10 million in 1999. Also,
he is the principal partner in Williams Development Company, a land and timber
development venture. His businesses have improved the local economy in southeast
Georgia.
Senator Williams firmly believes in the freedom to start and own businesses. He plans to
focus on protecting small businesses from governmental over regulation. Also, he would like
to introduce legislation to eliminate the unemployment insurance premium tax.
"I have first hand experience in how laws, regulations and taxes can overburden the small
business owner," Senator Williams said.
Senator Williams earned a Bachelor's degree from the University of Georgia and a Master's
degree in Education at Georgia Southern University.
Senator Williams has been named Citizen of the Year for Lyons in 1997. Also, he
graduated from Leadership Georgia in 1997. He was a past president of the Toombs
County Chamber of Commerce and was secretary/treasurer of the Toombs/Montgomery
Vidalia Onion Growers Associations in 1997. He has served as a board member of the
Toombs County Health Department and Altamaha Bank of Vidalia.
Senator Williams lives in Lyons and serves as a deacon at the First Baptist Church of
Vidalia.
The 6th senatorial district includes Appling, Brantley, Montgomery, Pierce, Toombs,
Wayne and part of Glynn counties.
November 1998
