News Summary
Tommy Sikes, a beloved musician and dedicated family man from Jacksonville, Florida, passed away, leaving behind a rich legacy in music and entrepreneurship. A proud graduate of Ribault High School, he founded Fiesta Parties, Inc. and was deeply committed to his family and community. Tommy was a founding member of the band Tumbleweed, performing at iconic venues and alongside notable artists. He is survived by his wife, daughters, and granddaughters, with his life celebrated by family and friends at an upcoming funeral service.
Jacksonville, Florida – Thomas Rodney Sikes, affectionately known as Tommy, passed away on October 13, 2025, at the age of 73. His contributions as a musician, business owner, and devoted family man left a lasting impact on his community.
Born on May 21, 1952, Tommy was a proud graduate of Ribault High School, part of the “Great Class of 1970,” and later attended Florida Junior College. Over the course of his professional career, he served as a park ranger and a manager at Blue Cross. In the late 1980s, he became the owner of Fiesta Parties, Inc. and was elected President of the Southside Businessmen’s Club, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit and leadership in local business.
After selling his business in 2001, Tommy devoted his life to caring for his special needs daughter, Phoebe, prioritizing family over everything else. His legacy also includes a deep love for music, demonstrated through his key role as a founding member of the band Tumbleweed in the 1970s. Alongside his brothers Tom, Ted, and Terry Sikes, as well as friends Kellar Braddock and Rick Coleman, the band enjoyed considerable popularity, performing at iconic venues such as the Chatterbox, Applejacks, and the White Lion in St. Augustine.
Tumbleweed reformed in 1988 as an all-acoustic group that included Tommy, his brothers, and his wife Denise, referred to as Denny. The band continued to perform at numerous venues including Applejacks, Mandarin Marina, and OC Whites. They had the honor of opening for Glen Campbell at the Silver Springs Music Festival and recorded background vocals for artists like David Pooler.
Tommy is survived by his beloved wife Denise Holcomb Sikes and their three daughters: Savannah Sikes, Sierra (David) Allen, and Phoebe Sikes. His family also includes two granddaughters, Cecilia and Olivia Allen, along with many other relatives such as his brother Ted Sikes, sister Peggy Sikes-Byers, and in-laws Leroy and Maxine Holcomb. He was predeceased by his parents, Champion Dewey Sikes, Jr. and Naomi Caruthers Sikes, as well as several siblings and in-laws.
Beyond his professional and musical endeavors, Tommy was a passionate individual with diverse interests including sports, stamp collecting, and puzzles. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees, the University of Florida Gators, and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Tommy also enjoyed sampling fine bourbons and Dublin Iced Tea, and cherished family time in the Smoky Mountains.
Described as kind, humorous, generous, and full of joy, Tommy Sikes touched the lives of everyone he met. His funeral Mass will be held on November 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Assumption Catholic Church in Jacksonville, followed by a celebration in Kohl’s Hall. A graveside commitment service will take place at Greenlawn Cemetery at 2:15 p.m. that day.
In a heartfelt request, the family encourages those wishing to honor Tommy’s memory to make donations to the “Christian Appalachian Project” in lieu of flowers.
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- Jacksonville Obituaries
- Google Search: Thomas Rodney Sikes
- Legacy Obituaries
- Wikipedia: Jacksonville
- Statesman Journal Obituaries
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Florida
- Jacksonville Sports News
- Google News: Jacksonville football
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