Anthony Thomas Papa

Anthony Thomas “Tom” Papa, 94, of Jackson, Mississippi passed away on July 28th after a brave battle with Alzheimer’s. Tom was born on December 27th, 1929, in Helena, Arkansas to the late Joseph and Mary Papa. After graduating high school from Subiaco Academy in May of 1947, Tom joined the United States Armed Forces where he proudly served in the Navy. He went on to attend the University of Mississippi where he received his degree in accounting.

After graduation, Tom returned to Jackson to work for the Internal Revenue Service. In 1974 he met and married the love of his life, Gayle Morgan. Shortly thereafter he began his private practice accounting career at Touche Ross & Co. where he later retired. Upon retirement, Papa helped form the Gertrude C. Ford Foundation where he served as president for many years. Tom’s passion for helping others was evident to all who knew him. For twenty years Tom poured his heart into his work at the Foundation, and his work improved the lives of so many Mississippians in meaningful and lasting ways. Tom was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who loved his family with all of his heart. He was a loyal friend to many, and his love of Mississippi and Ole Miss were known and felt by everyone who knew him.

He is survived by his wife Gayle, his daughter Mary Catherine, his son Tony, his grandchildren Thomas, Emily, Caitlyn and Caroline and many loving nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The MIND Center at UMMC either online at www.umc.edu/mind or by mail to 2500 N State Street; Jackson, MS 39216.

A visitation for Anthony will be held Wednesday, July 31, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Parkway Funeral Home & Parkway Memorial Cemetery, 1161 Highland Colony Pkwy, Ridgeland, Mississippi 39157, followed by a funeral service at 11:00 AM.