Tommy Joe Burkes of Ellisville Mississippi went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2022. Tommy (TJ) was born to Steve Elmo and Elma Lee Byrd Burkes on June 21, 1934.

After graduating from Jones County Agricultural High School and attending Jones County Junior College, Tommy joined The United States Air Force in May of 1955. He proudly served his country both at home and abroad.

In 1959, Tommy began working as an electronic technician with Vitro Services. He would work with Vitro as well as a number of Government contractors in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Huntsville, Alabama, and Fort Walton Beach, Florida until his retirement in December of 1999. Tommy was especially proud of his work with Marshall Space Flight Center and the NASA Apollo missions in the 1960s.

Tommy was married to the love of his life Frances Jeanelle Busby Burkes on March 3, Over the next 66 years they created a beautiful Christ centered love story that their family will forever cherish.

Tommy is survived by his loving wife Jeanelle, daughter Debbie Burkes Burnham of Brandon, Mississippi, daughter Karen Burkes Williams and husband Charles of Fort Walton Beach, FL, sister Martha Burkes Spaulding and husband Walter of Clinton, Mississippi, sister-in-law Carolyn June Burkes of Laurel, Mississippi, sister-in-law Jean Busby Szabo and husband George of Montgomery, Alabama, grandchildren Laura Leigh Burnham, Thomas Jeffrey (TJ) Burnham, Bradlee Richard Williams, Paige Elizabeth Williams, and great grandson Jacob (Jake) Henley Hayman as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Tommy was an avid musician playing both guitar and electric bass. He spent the majority of his adult life playing music with friends across the south. Whether he was picking his favorite bluegrass tunes or playing bass with southern gospel groups, The Melody Masters, Mississippi Five, and Touch of Faith, Tommy was happiest when surround by the music he loved so much.

Please join us in a celebration of life on Friday December 16th at Lebanon Baptist Church, 460 Lebanon Rd. Laurel, Mississippi. Visitation for family and friends will take place from 11:00am to 1:00pm followed by services at 1:00pm. In lieu of flowers please make donations to Lebanon Baptist Church Building Fund.