Thomas Aden Utsey, age 100, passed away early in the morning on December 4th, 2019 at his home in Orlando Florida. He is survived by his three children, Lisa Utsey, Jeanine Edwards and James Utsey and his three grandchildren Amelie Edwards, Izack Edwards, and Ariana Edwards.

Thomas was born on October 11, 1919 in Vossburg, Mississippi and was the son of the late Aden and Docia Utsey. After graduating from high school, he briefly attended Ole Miss before joining the Army Air Corp in April of 1942. He became a B-25 bomber pilot who flew 55 combat missions over North Africa and was the recipient of the American Defense Service Medal and three bronze stars. He was honorably discharged in July 1945 after which he became a commercial airline pilot for United Airlines for 29 years. He was married to Barbara Gilroy in 1962 until her death in December of 2000 and they had three children.

Thomas grew up on a farm in Mississippi during the great depression and developed a lifelong love of gardening and growing his own food. In addition, he was an avid runner well into his sixties and he
also had a love of reading and books.

There will be a Celebration of Life service on December 14th at 1:00 pm at the DeGusipe Funeral Home and Crematory at 9001 N. Orlando Ave in Maitland, Florida. After his service, a reception will immediately follow at DeGusipe Funeral Home.