WARNER ROBINS -- Former Warner Robins City Councilman Tom Simms Jr. was found dead Tuesday at his home, according to Houston County Coroner Danny Galpin.
Galpin said Simms, 56, didn’t report to work at Robins Air Force Base, and when police checked his house, he was found dead.
“We don’t suspect anything other than a natural death right now,” he said.
Galpin said Dr. James Whitaker, Houston County medical examiner, will examine the body Wednesday. It’s not clear whether an autopsy will be needed.
Simms was a single-term councilman, Post 2, who decided not to run for re-election last year. Councilwoman Carolyn Robbins now holds the seat.
“It’s a tragedy,” said Robbins, who worked with Simms when she was city clerk. “He was a good council member when he was here. I was shocked.”
Simms was the son of the deceased Councilman Tom Simms Sr. As an airman, the younger Simms flew in operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. He had 27 years of aviation experience.
Mayor Chuck Shaheen read a statement about Simms before a called council meeting Tuesday afternoon.
“He had a dynamic vision that included Commercial Circle and the law enforcement center,” Shaheen said before asking for a moment of silence.
Aside from his public service, Simms was a big supporter of youth sports, according to former Warner Robins American Little League President Jimmy Dunn. Simms attended games at every stage of the WRALL competitions, including the 2009 Southeastern Regional tournament held in West Virginia.
Dunn said Simms also raised money for WRALL’s Challenger League, a program for special needs children.
“In fact, I think he was the first one to make a donation,” Dunn said. “I was really shaken up” at the news of Simms’ death.
Chris Dunn, president of the Middle Georgia Baseball League, said he met Simms as a councilman who wanted to know more about motorists’ cell phone usage. Dunn owns a cell phone store.
Dunn said Simms was on his list of people to call Tuesday. The two men hadn’t talked in a while, and Dunn was hoping they could ride motorcycles together soon. Simms purchased a Harley-Davidson recently, Dunn said.
“We’re never going to be able to do that now,” he said.
McCullough Funeral has charge of the arrangements.
Information from Telegraph archives was used in this report. To contact writer Christina M. Wright, call 256-9685.
