Thomas H. Dirkes

Tom Dirkes, age 78, died Wednesday, September 4, 2013 at his home, under the care of Hospice of the Golden Isles. Tom was born in New York City, New York, on April 29, 1935. He graduated from Mamaroneck High School, Mamaroneck, NY, and attended Manhattan College in New York City. He moved to St. Simons Island in 1977. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, and had worked as a project manager in the construction industry for many years. Tom was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous for the last 43 years.

He is survived by his wife, Lori Reed Dirkes, of Brunswick; four sons, Jamieson Dirkes (Gwen) of Charleston, SC, Jeffrey Dirkes of Kingsland, GA, Carl Dirkes (Victoria) of Orlando, FL and Christian Dirkes (Tina) also of Orlando; six grandchildren, Ellisa Poe (Andrew), Ian Dirkes, Jessica Dirkes , Caitlin Dirkes, Anastasia Dirkes and Alexandra Dirkes; three great-grandchildren, Kristopher Poe, Hudson Poe, and Bryson Bailey; a brother, Carl C. Dirkes (Li) of Rock Falls, IL; father and mother-in-law, George and Joyce Reed of Brunswick; sister-in-law Dr. Amy Swan (Don Cacioppo) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; sister-in-law Edie Dirkes of Warminster, PA; special niece Brooke Swan (Bob Ackerman) of Brunswick; and his faithful four legged companions, Spike, Bella and Max. Numerous nieces, nephews and friends also survive. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Morgan Kenzie.

A celebration will be held to honor Tom’s life on Saturday, September 14, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home. A full reception will be held immediately after the service, and the family requests that all who will be attending please dress casually and come to share your stories of Tom’s life.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to Hospice of the Golden Isles, 1692 Glynco Parkway, Brunswick, GA 31525.

To view Tom’s photos and express your condolences, please visit www.edomillerandsons.com