Howard Reese Zimmerman, of Gulf Shores, passed away peacefully on Dec. 17, 2012, at the age of 81.
He was born March 29, 1931 on Smith Island, Md, to Helen and Rev. A.F. Zimmerman. He grew up in Seaford, Del., where he played baseball, basketball and football at Seaford High School. He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as sisters, Barbara Z. Cressman and Mary Ann Zimmerman. Cherishing his memory are his loving wife of almost 55 years, Janet; sister, Isabelle Z. Martin; son, Brian; daughter and son-in-law, Karen and Charley Moore; son and daughter-in-law, Tod and Angela Zimmerman; and eight grandchildren: Kelly Zimmerman, Caroline and Anna Garber, Sage, Cody, and Michael Moore, and Drake and Devan Zimmerman. He is also survived by sister-in-law, Helen (Tom) Berry, a host of nieces, nephews and cousins, and countless friends to cherish his memory. He was an avid sportsman, whether participating in high school and college or just watching. If a ball was involved you could count on him to be there. He was a huge fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide, FSU Seminoles, and USM Golden Eagles. After his retirement he spent many hours playing golf at Gulf Shores Golf Club. After graduating from Western Maryland College (now known as McDaniel College) in Westminster, Maryland, he served 2 years in the Army. He joked many times about the hard job he was assigned…he was known as a Sports Information Officer. His job was to accompany any sports team—boxing, basketball, etc.—to other posts where they participated in events. His primary job was: “Officer in Charge of the Golf Course” at Fort Jackson, S.C. He often joked, “It was a tough job but someone had to do it,” and he was thrilled to be the person selected to fill the position. While at Fort Jackson he was able to hone his golfing skills. His one major regret, was that the Commanding General invited him to join him and play a round of golf at Augusta National Golf Course with the world famous, Bobby Jones, and he turned down the invitation. He was afraid that he would take a huge divot and ruin the course. He spent most of his working career in the purchasing department of International Paper Company in Baltimore, Md. In the 1970s his job sent him to New York City for three years, before being transferred to Mobile. He retired and moved to Gulf Shores in 1992, where he was thrilled with the opportunity to live near the beach and the golf course. He was known around the links for his colorful attire. Never one to be dressed conservatively, he was always dressed in brightly colored clothes, whether on the course or perhaps just going to church. It was always easy to spot him. His flair will be missed by many. He treasured the times spent with his family and will be greatly missed. He was like “Sara Lee” — nobody didn’t like him. A celebration of life will be held. Friday, Dec. 28, 2012, at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew by the Sea, Fort Morgan Road, Gulf Shores, with a reception to follow in the Fellowship Hall. The family hopes that his friends will be sporting their bright colorful clothes to honor him. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Andrew By the Sea Music Committee, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Mack Funeral Home & Crematory, Robertsdale.
