Thomas E. Simmons took his last flight west in the company of his family on March 16, 2022.

Award winning author, aviation enthusiast, sailor, aerobatic pilot, holder of the Wright Brothers Aviation Medal and home town raconteur, Tom Simmons lived life to the fullest. Tom was a former member of the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, Pass Christian Investment Club, Gulfport Yacht Club, and the Quiet Birdmen Aviation Club. He will be missed.

Tom is survived by his wife of 64 years and love of his life, Katherine (Kay) Bounds Simmons; sons, Thomas Scott Simmons and John Edward Simmons; grandchildren, Mary Katherine Simmons, Thomas Clayton Simmons, Katherine Elizabeth Simmons, Anne Caroline Simmons; daughter-in-law, Jill Simmons; brother-in-law, C.E. Bounds, Jr. (Carol); nieces, nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 25, 2022 at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Gulfport where friends may visit beginning at 10:00 a.m. A private interment will follow at Southern Memorial Park. Bradford-O’Keefe Funeral Home, 15^th Street, Gulfport is honored to serve the Simmons family.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 11322 E. Taylor Road, Gulfport, MS 39503, Humane Society of South MS, 2615 25^th Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501, or one’s favorite charity.