"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power." - Abraham Lincoln

Judge Don T. Sirmons

Panama City - Judge Don T. Sirmons, 73, of Panama City, passed away on Tuesday, November 16, 2021. He was born August 4, 1948 in Gainesville, Florida and was the oldest of four children, Paul, Jane and Gary Sirmons. In 1972, after graduating law school from The University of Florida, he married Marty Ruddon Sirmons who remained to call Bay County home for the past 50 years. Judge Sirmons was a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather. He lived with integrity, and was humble in spite of the position that he held as a judge serving Bay County for almost 47 years. He was the youngest judge in Florida when he first held office at the age of 28 years old and ran unopposed till he retired in 2010. He presided over some of Bay County's biggest newsworthy cases such as Dr. Sybers, to Rebecca Lee Falcon. But most of all, Judge Sirmons understood what it meant to be a public servant. This is where his humility comes in... it wasn't about him. It was about helping people.  He found a way to not only be of service within the judicial system but outside of it as well. Judge Sirmons introduced and founded Drug Court in Bay County, which has saved thousands of lives to date. He also created a mentorship program in Bay County for young attorneys, to help them get acquainted in the judicial system. But it was his work outside of the courtroom that was his proudest achievement. Judge Sirmons was a coach to his daughter Saras' special needs bowling team called the "Pinspinners"as well as the special needs golf team at Nature Walk Golf Course, and a board member to The Arc of The Bay. A lifetime member of The Rotary Club of Bay County, and The Gulf Coast State College Foundation. Judge Sirmons was preceded by  parents Ray and Marno Sirmons. He is survived by his wife of almost 50 years, Marty Ruddon Sirmons; his two daughters, Rebecca and Sara Sirmons; daughter-in-law, Kristen Sirmons and granddaughter, Helen Ray Sirmons; his brothers, Paul and Gary Sirmons; and sister Jane Sirmons. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at 10 a.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel. A Celebration of Life will then follow at 12 noon at The Arc Of The Bay. Those desiring may make memorial donations to The Arc Of The Bay, and the Chautauqua Learn and Serve Charter School in memory of Judge Don T. Sirmons.