WARNER ROBINS -- A cause of death for former Warner Robins City Councilman Tom Simms Jr. will not be determined until toxicology results return from a state lab, Houston County Coroner Danny Galpin said.

It will be at least three months before the lab results are complete, he said. While toxicology tests are typical for unattended deaths, Galpin said the number of prescription pills and bottles found in Simms' home was partly the reason the tests were ordered.

Simms was found dead in his home in the 100 block of Gawin Drive on Tuesday, according to a police report released Wednesday.

Officers were sent to check on him when he didn’t report to work at Robins Air Force Base. Simms was an aircraft maintainer assigned to the 560th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.

According to the police report, 51 prescription bottles were found at the house. Only 16 contained pills, according to the report.

Galpin said he has no information pointing to Simms having a drug problem.

Simms had a known history of back problems while on City Council. Galpin said Simms had undergone back surgery.

Simms’ term as councilman ended in December. He did not seek re-election.

Visitation for Simms is scheduled for 1-3 p.m. Friday at McCullough Funeral Home in Warner Robins. A service will follow at 3 p.m. in the chapel.

To contact writer Christina M. Wright, call 256-9685.