Lee "Tommy" Ankerson

Lee “Tommy” Ankerson, 80, passed away on Thursday, February 4, 2021 surrounded by his family. Lee was born on January 31, 1941 in Biloxi, Mississippi to Myrtis and Lee Ankerson. He graduated from Pascagoula High School in 1959. In his younger years, he was a professional water skier at Gulf Hills in both Ocean Springs, MS and Cypress Gardens, FL. He served in the Air Force during the Vietnam War and upon discharge received his degree from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. His degree would lend him to work for Delta Airlines for over 30 years. Although life would take him to live in Florida, Louisiana, and Texas for many years, his heart remained in this area. After he retired from Delta Airlines in Dallas, Texas, he returned home to his roots in Gautier, MS. It is no surprise that he moved close to the coast and across from a golf course. He had a passion for golf and traveled all over the US to compete in tournaments. He was also an avid fan of LSU and Saints football. It is no stretch of the imagination that you could usually find him on the golf course or watching football. He loved to play practical jokes on family, friends, and co-workers. He had a sense a humor that usually found him laughing at his own jokes, which made those around him smile because of it. When he wasn’t playing golf or watching football, he loved spending time with family and his dogs. Lee was preceded in death by his father, Lee, mother, Myrtis and brother Michael Ankerson. He is survived by his wife Adrianne of 44 years; his four daughters, Stacy, Tiffany, Tonee and Teresa; 6 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. Visitation will be held at Bradford-O’Keefe 911 Porter Avenue, Ocean Springs, MS 39564 from 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm on Wednesday, February 10, 2021, with a service to immediately follow. Burial to follow. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Ankerson family.