Thomas Robert "Coach" Hanes

Thomas Robert “Coach” Hanes, 45, passed away on May 26, 2026. Born on January 31, 1981, Tommy was many things to many people - a coach, teacher, runner, sports fanatic, professional dad-joke teller, and one of the kindest, most encouraging people you could ever meet.

A proud graduate and lifelong fan of Mississippi State University, Tommy could usually be found cheering on the Bulldogs, the Buffalo Bills, or the Buffalo Sabres often with the emotional rollercoaster that comes with loving Buffalo sports. He loved running almost as much as he loved talking about running, and he dedicated so much of his life to helping young athletes find confidence in themselves both on and off the track.

As the cross country and track coach for the Long Beach School District and a PE teacher at WJ Quarles Elementary, Coach Hanes made an impact far beyond medals, race times, or scoreboards. He believed in effort, perseverance, good sportsmanship, and making sure every kid felt seen and encouraged. He was endlessly proud of his students and runners, and nothing made him happier than watching them succeed - whether that meant winning a race or simply realizing they were capable of more than they thought. Tommy loved running because, unlike the Buffalo Bills, at least somebody eventually wins.

Tommy is survived by his his children, Christopher and Katie Hanes; wife, Sylvia Hanes; his parents, Dawn and David Hanes; sister, Melissa Cook, brother David Hanes, and a large extended family of loved ones, friends, students, runners, fellow coaches, and community members spread across the country who will miss him and his dad jokes dearly.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Altered Reality Brewing, 969 Howard Avenue, Biloxi, MS on Sunday, May 31, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 6:00 pm. 

Bradford-O'Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Thomas Robert "Coach" Hanes.