Lt Col Sidney T. Kersey, USAF (ret), 88, of Pensacola, FL passed away Saturday, August 26, 2023.

Lt Col Sidney T. Kersey was born on September 27, 1934, in Manchester, GA to Robert Lee and Ava Nell (Royals) Kersey. He received a BA from the University of Maryland. He entered the US Air Force as an Aviation Cadet and graduated as a single engine jet pilot. Further assignments were as a multi engine bomber pilot for the Strategic Air Command, to an Intelligence officer, then to Research, Development, Testing and Evaluation of Airborne Command Systems. He flew seventy-two combat missions in Vietnam.

After retiring from the USAF, he began a second career with the US Civil Service, continuing to work in Europe and the US, and retired from the (now) National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) in Washington.

He began writing poetry and short stories in high school and continued writing through the following years as new assignments took him to various parts of the world. His poetry is created from actual experiences, from Southeast Asia to Europe.

Survivors include his wife, Heide Kersey of Pensacola; daughter, Tristan Kersey-Lockwood of Tampa, FL; grandsons, Ryan Lockwood of Casper, WY and Nick Lockwood of Bend, OR.

A Private Graveside Service was held at Barrancas National Cemetery with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Waterfront Mission Pensacola, 2125 W. Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, FL 32505.