Gary Mitchell Sessums, age 67, died on Wednesday, May 13.

He was born in Vicksburg, MS on Thursday, December 25, 1958.

He was preceded in death by his parents Herman Milton Sessums and Lucille Matthews Sessums, and his brother David Milton Sessums.

He is survived by his nephews; John David Sessums, Eric Sessums, Brian Sessums, and grand-nieces, Molly Sessums and Emily Sessums, and grand-nephews, Noah Sessums and Nathaniel Sessums.

Gary attended Warren Central High School, Hinds Junior College, and the University of Southern Mississippi.

He worked for many years for the Department of Defense (War) at the Pentagon in Washington D.C. in the National Military Command Center (NMCC) supporting presidential communications, nuclear command and control, and continuity of government.

Gary was an avid runner, and completed multiple marathons, half-marathons, 10-K, and 5-K road races throughout his life. He currently shares the record for most consecutive runs of the Vicksburg Run Thru History 10-K road race; running every race since it began in 1980.

Gary was a licensed amateur radio operator with the call sign KC5QCN, and had many HAM radio friends around the world. He deployed numerous hurricane and other disaster responses over the years to provide communications restorations support. Gary was also a member of the Military Auxiliary Radio System (MARS), served as the operations manager of the Pentagon MARS station, and trustee for the K4AF amateur radio repeater.

Gary attained the rank of Eagle Scout with the Boy Scouts of America in an era when scouting stressed integrity and values. He served as an adult Scout leader, and supported the scouting movement over the years, making a lasting impact on many young men.

He enjoyed biking, hiking, swimming, canoeing, hunting, fishing, water and snow skiing, scuba and sky diving, was a home brewer and craft beer aficionado, and was a multi-gallon blood donor. He was an excellent cook and had quite the collection of vintage Corningware Blue Cornflower cookware and Lodge cast iron skillets.

Gary was a member of numerous civic and professional organizations and served on the board of directors and in various capacities.

He was known for his volunteerism, sense of humor, generosity, and handy man knowledge. Gary touched many lives as a son, brother, uncle, friend, and colleague.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, May 23 at 10:00 to 11:00 AM at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Forest, Mississippi followed by a graveside service at Ephesus Cemetery in Forest, Mississippi.

Pallbearers are John David Sessums, Eric Sessums, Brian Sessums, Thomas Matthews Sr., and John Matthews.

The Sessums family asks that in lieu of flowers, friends make a donation to their favorite charity and hoist a cold one in remembrance.

Ott and Lee of Forest is entrusted with arrangements.