Thomas Patrick "Mickey"

Thomas Patrick "Mickey" Harkins, Jr., age 80, of Gautier, MS, died Sunday, November 17, 2013. Mickey was born on February 24, 1933, in New Augusta, MS, to Gladyce Hinton and T.P. Harkins. He graduated from Petal High School in 1951 where he was a popular student athlete, excelling in football and basketball. Prior to graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1955, he married Martha Nell Holyfield of New Hebron, MS on Dec 1, 1953. After college graduation, he began a successful 20-year career as an Armor Officer in the US Army and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1976. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. Other duty stations included Germany, Ft. Bragg, NC, and Ft. Hood, TX. His Military Awards include the Bronze Star Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, and Master Parachutist Badge. Upon retirement from the Army, Mickey and his wife lived in the Hattiesburg area for over 25 years raising cattle and farming. He and Martha moved to Gautier in 2001. He loved living on the Coast and being able to fish and visit the casinos. He enjoyed playing bridge and beating everyone at cribbage. He was an avid reader and wordsmith who enjoyed working crossword puzzles and Sudoku. He will be missed by his golfing buddies at Hickory Hills Country Club. Mickey was well known for his sense of humor and he could tell a good story. He valued his family and friends. He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and the American Legion in Gautier. Survivors include his wife, Martha Holyfield Harkins of Gautier, MS.; children: Sarah Harkins (Bill) Finnicum of Gautier, MS, Melissa Harkins (Gary) Hopkins of Springfield, VA, Patrice Harkins (Steve) Marotta, of Huntsville, AL, T. Patrick Harkins, III and Pamela of Batesville, MS; grandchildren: Paisley Marotta, Sabrina Harkins, Basia Marotta, Thomas P. Harkins, IV and sister, Barbara Harkins Holland of Annandale, VA. Mickey was predeceased by a brother, Alfred Eugene "Dudda" Harkins of Dothan, AL. Visitation will be on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, from 6pm until 8pm, at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Thursday, November 21, 2013, there will be a 1pm chapel service in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Mickey's memory to the Wounded Warrior Program, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66075.