Tony Jordan Simmons

Tony Jordan Simmons, 71, of Panama City, FL., passed away Saturday, November 17, in a local hospital after an extended illness of COPD. He was born and raised on a tobacco and cattle farm in Irvington, KY. After graduation from high school, he joined the USAF transferring to Tyndall AFB, FL., where he met and married the love of his life, Jenny Taylor. Together, they raised two children, Terry and Perry and were married for 52 joyous years. After serving a 4-year stint in the USAF, he joined the Panama City Police Department working his way up through the ranks from Patrolman to Captain and retiring as Patrol Commander. He then started a new career with the Salvation Army serving as Security and Maintenance and retiring a second time in 2008. Tony was a former member of Acme Lodge 222, the Scottish Rite, and the Shaddai Shrine Temple. He previously gave of his time volunteering with senior citizens, teaching leathercraft. Tony's most cherished times were spent with his family and in the mountains.

Tony is survived by his wife, Jenny; a daughter, Terry Rene Simmons of Panama City; a son, Perry Jordan Simmons (Cristine) of Vernon, FL.; a brother, Jackie Wayne Simmons (Shirley) of Irvington, KY., and one nephew, Jason W. Simmons (Maria) of Louisville, KY.; two brother-in-laws: Johnnie W. Taylor (Sharon) of Panama City, FL., and Noah A. Taylor (Margaret) of Southport, FL. He was predeceased by his parents, Sherley Jordan Simmons and Dolly Kathryn Simmons of Irvington, KY.

Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, November 20, 2012,at Kent-Forest Lawn Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Virgil Tillman officiating. Interment with honors by the US Air Force will follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1:00 PM until service time at 2:00. Asked to serve as pallbearers are Tony's retired law enforcement officer friends.The family would like to extend special thanks to the following: Dr William W. Dent and Sandra Palmer, ARNP-C for their many years of devoted care of Tony and family; and Covenant Hospice's team of: Chaplain Virgil Tillman, Nurse Sue Coffee, Social Worker Mary Ann Starling, and especially, Rachael Kenney and Bert Treadwell for coming into our home and brightening our days and our special friend, Sharon Gray for all her love and support. Those wishing to make donations in Tony's name may do so to: Convenant Hospice 107 W 19th St, Panama City, FL 32405.

Kent-Forest Lawn
Funeral Home
2403 Harrison Ave.
Panama City, Fla. 32405
850-763-4694
www.kentforestlawn.com