Thomas D. Mims

Thomas D. Mims, 77, of Bradenton passed away Sunday, April 9, 2017. Tom was born February 21, 1940 in Bradenton, Florida at the Manatee County Hospital to the late Hugh Dorsey Mims, Sr. and Ouida Freeman.

Tom was a dedicated family man who loved his family, and a devout Christian who loved the Lord. He will be remembered as an honest, hardworking man who dedicated himself to his family as well as his church.

Tom honorably served his country for 2 years in the Army and an additional 4 years in the National Guard. He worked for the Bradenton Herald for 8 years as well as working for, and retiring from, FPL after 29 ½ years. After retiring from FPL at the age of 59, Tom traveled with his wife Violet, to their vacation home in Cherokee, North Carolina, where they loved to spend time. He was a loving father, grandfather as well as a great-grandfather.

Tom was a big fan of all sports, especially softball, he was one of six men who started the Men’s Senior Softball League in the early 60’s and was known as “One of the best homerun hitters around”. Tom was proud of umpiring for the Manatee County Softball League for 48 years. He was also the first President of the Manatee County Umpire’s Association Softball League where he served for many years. We know that if Heaven has a softball team, then surely Tom is umpiring for the Lord. He also enjoyed volunteering at Blake Hospital where he served for 12 years. He was well known in the community and will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Violet DeSear Mims, father, Hugh Dorsey Mims Sr., mother Ouida Freeman, half-brother Hugh Dorsey Mims, Jr., sister, Sandra Chewning and grandson Ryan Silverman.

Survivors include son, Tommy Mims Jr., daughters Kathy (Mark) Silverman, Jennifer (Ed) Jackson, stepmother Bonnie Mims, half-sisters, Debbie Norton and Donna Prevatt; 2 grandchildren, Brooks Jackson and Logan Jackson; 2 great-grandchildren, Sadie Jackson and Violet Silverman as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and special friend Peggy Lock, who also loved and cared for Tom during his time of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in memory of Thomas D. Mims, are suggested to… Elwood Baptist Church; 3516 45th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208, Tidewell Hospice or a charity of your choice.

The Family will receive friends for a time of visitation 6:00-8:00 pm Thursday, April 13, 2017 at Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home; 1221 53rd Avenue East, Bradenton, FL 34203. Funeral Services will be held 2:00 pm Friday, April 14, 2017 at Elwood Baptist Church; 3516 45th Street East, Bradenton, FL 34208.

Manasota Memorial Park and Funeral Home is entrusted with final care.