BORN

1943

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Lockett-Williams Mortuary, Inc. - Gulfport

2018 31st Avenue

Gulfport, Mississippi

John Simmons Obituary

John Wayne Simmons

April 10, 1943-January 3, 2016

Gulfport

John Wayne Simmons, 72 of Gulfport died at his home January 3, 2016. He was a member of Conner Heights Baptist Church, TN and New Hope Baptist Church, Gulfport.

John was a Master Sargent in the United States Army, having served in the 82nd Airborne, Long Range Patrol, and with the Demolition and Mine Warfare Divisions.

Following his military service he served both in the Harrison County Sheriff's Department as a Mounted Officer and the Gulfport Police Department as a Mounted Officer and a Firearms Instructor. He then taught Demolition and Mine Warfare at Gulfport Seabee Base.

John followed his father into the construction industry, first working independently before joining Shular Contracting as a superintendent overseeing large commercial projects.

He is preceded in death by his parents John Henry, Naomi "Neno" Simmons; brothers Frank Simmons, Robert Simmons, and step-son John Ditmore.

John's survivors include his wife, Patricia "Pat" Simmons; children, Henry Simmons, Richard Simmons, Sue Simmons all of Gulfport, Pamela Gene Simmons, GA, Elizabeth Christensen, FL;siblings Alan "Duke" Simmons, Sharon Simmons, Donna Bell, Rhonda Cospelich all of Gulfport, Carolyn Carter, IA, Brian "Ben" Simmons, AK.

Funeral Services: 11 AM Friday, January 8, 2016, New Hope Baptist Church 17430 Landon Road, Gulfport. Visitation: 5pm-8pm, Thursday, January 7, 2016, at the church. Internment: Conn's Family Cemetery, Long Beach. Online registry LOCKETTWILLIAMS.COM

Published by The Sun Herald on Jan. 5, 2016.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

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Memories and Condolences
for John Simmons

Sponsored by V Corps LRRP Abn. Brothers.

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Still think of you John.

Ron FDahle

Other

December 30, 2022

He was a great man and i will never forget his visit in Oz. Hope to meet you one day Pat

Mary Murphy

February 20, 2016

I would like to Thank everyone for the kind words of sympathy, love,compassion, & fond memories. He touched everyone. Greatly Missed. I have read the comments everyday, usually a couple times a day. They have been a comfort. Thank-you. Special Thanks to V Corps LLRP Abn Brothers, who arranged for this to be permanently online. He was very proud to have served with you. Thank -You all

Patricia Simmons

January 11, 2016

I knew John in the 70's. Though I didn't have much respect for authority figures back then, I always admired him. I trusted him and knew that, come what may, John was going to go above and beyond to help and to be as fair as possible in all things. I have never met many with his character. I know he's sorely missed and my God bless and comfort you all during this time of pain and loss.

Harvey (Floyd) Garlotte

January 9, 2016

So sorry for your loss, Pat. John will be missed by all who knew him. I served with John in Frankfurt in the 3779th in 1965. He always had time to share his big smile and a great story! I will always remember him. God bless you.

Glenn Rucker

January 8, 2016

John put up one hell of a fight and never gave up. He fought on as the soldier that he was, never surrendering, but he finally ran out of ammunition. One great guy and it was an honor to have served with him. Stan Harris

January 8, 2016

To my dearest family, some things I'd like to say...
but first of all, to let you know, that I arrived okay.
I'm writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above.
Here, there's no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love.

Please do not be unhappy just because I'm out of sight.
Remember that I'm with you every morning, noon and night.
That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through,
God picked me up and hugged me and He said, "I welcome you."

It's good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone.
As for your dearest family, they'll be here later on.
I need you here badly; you're part of my plan.
There's so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man.

God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do.
And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you.
And when you lie in bed at night, the day's chores put to flight.
God and I are closest to you....in the middle of the night.

When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years
because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears.
But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain.
Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain.

I wish that I could tell you all that God has planned.
But if I were to tell you, you wouldn't understand.
But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is o'er.
I'm closer to you now, than I ever was before.

There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb;
but together we can do it by taking one day at a time.
It was always my philosophy and I'd like it for you too...
that as you give unto the world, the world will give to you.

If you can help somebody who's in sorrow and pain,
then you can say to God at night......"My day was not in vain."
And now I am contented....that my life has been worthwhile,
knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile.

So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low,
just lend a hand to pick him up, as on your way you go.
When you're walking down the street, and you've got me on your mind;
I'm walking in your footsteps only half a step behind.

And when it's time for you to go.... from that body to be free,
remember you're not going.....you're coming here to me.

Ruth Ann Mahaffey (author)
©Copyright 1998

GWEN KIRSCHENHEUTER LIZANA

January 8, 2016

So sorry to hear Bro John was an awesome upbeat Christian I know he and my dad and Pastor Reid are having a glorious time. Ms. Pat my prayers are with you and the family.

Janet Schonewitz

January 7, 2016

John was a very kind, funny and warm hearted man. He will be truly missed by so many. My heart and prayers to his family.

Kathy Johnson

January 7, 2016

John, you will be dearly missed and it was an honor to know you. You were a great brother and friend.

Kurt OConnor

January 7, 2016

You will be missed! A true loving heart with us from heaven

Robin Jones

January 6, 2016

Dearest Pat and Family,

I know that no one can understand the depth of your sorrow or what you are going through because everyone's grief is unique to them, but I want you to know that my heart is with you as you deal with the loss of John. He was such a unique person... always "larger than life" in my eyes. I can't think of anyone who could ever fill his shoes!

I hope this might bring your heart some consolation and comfort...

In rememberance of John Simmons
Valiant soldier, full of might
With a faith that never wavered
As he fought his nobel fight
His devoted family standing by him
Whilst he took his eagle's flight
Now at last he's with his Saviour
Ever precious in His sight!

2Timothy 2: 1-3
Isaiah 40: 31
Psalms 116: 15


With love,

Cup Stratton

January 6, 2016

John was one of a kind. Very compassionate man. I am honored to have met him. My condolences go out to you Richard and your family. God bless and he will be missed.

Marlena Queen

January 6, 2016

Losing someone we love is nothing easy, we can realize that we are blessed to have been able to share in his life. My condolences.

William Maxwell

January 5, 2016

Thinking of you Pat, I was so happy to have met John. You had a very caring husband, think on the good times you two shared. Keeping you and John's family in my prayers. Thanks to my daughter Kim that I met you and John.

Dorothy Barnes Echols

January 5, 2016

John you will be missed by many. I loved your many stories and hearing your life experiences. When on a job site you became a artist the master of production. The Shular family of Companies not only losed a valuable employee but a great man and friend to all.

Ken Cole

January 5, 2016

John was a good friend to my wife and I. He will always be fondly remembered, he will be missed.
Rest in peace my friend

Dick and Carol Elizer

January 5, 2016

I thank all of you for the kind words you have expressed in Johnny's guest book. He was and will always be my big brother. I can't tell you all the great things he has done throughout our life. I followed every step he made. God bless you brother we will be together again in the future.

Alan (Duke) Simmons CSM ( R )

January 5, 2016

Sorry to hear about the death of your dad, Donna.

Carolyn Dye Seymour

January 5, 2016

You was one of a kind.... You will always have place in my heart... Even though I told you on more than one occasion to be quiet everybody can hear you.. I like to hear that voice one more time... Prayer for his family he was a great guy and will be missed ....

April Walker

January 5, 2016

May God bless you Pat as you go through this terrible loss.....

Arlene Chasez

January 5, 2016

I am so very sorry, he fought hard for as long as he could...an amazing man. My heart hurts for you, my sweet friend. I know Kenny will have a very good friend waiting for him in Heaven. I love you Pat, and I am here for you, always...as you have been for me.

Cathy Ladd

January 5, 2016

We are so very sorry Pat God is with you during this time. Our prayers are coming to you

Linda Manion

January 5, 2016

We are so sorry Pat. May God bless you and know he is with you during this time.

Linda Manion

January 5, 2016

John was a Army friend of mine in Frankfurt Germany back in the early 60's. Always had a big smile and a great laugh. I also enjoyed his company at the reunions we had through the years.

Paul Edwards

January 5, 2016

John was an amazing man and friend. He was so full of life and laughter and faith. He was always there when you needed someone to listen and was ready to pray with you and fight for you. You will be missed my friend. God bless the family in this difficult time.

Angie Strange

January 5, 2016

So very sorry Pat. Such a wonderful man and husband. God is with you all the way.

Dick and Mary Ann Parr

January 5, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. We will miss him.

cheryl white

January 5, 2016

Prayers for the family mr Simmons was such a nice man god bless

Jessica hall

January 5, 2016

R.I.P

Robbie Lassabe/ Evans

January 5, 2016

John was one of a kind, he will be missed.

Barbra Mcintyre

January 5, 2016

It was such a blessing to be John's Pastor and friend. I loved to hear him sing and testify of his faith in Christ.John was a strong man in body, courage, and his faith. "Ephesians 6:10 Finally my brethren be strong in the Lord, and the power of His might." John is still singing and praising, and we will see him again. God bless Sister Pat and the Simmons family. Pastor Jonathan Hatcher, Conner Heights Baptist Church Pigeon Forge TN

January 5, 2016

John was always smiling had a funny story to tell. He will be missed

Ed Miller

January 5, 2016

Johnny was a great friend loved him and he will be missed praying for you Pat and for the family take care He is with God now

mary lancaster

January 5, 2016

Our love and prayers.

Peggy Evans

January 5, 2016

The Grim Reaper had to really work for this one. John Simmons you are a man of men, you will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved you. .

Ronald Dahle

January 5, 2016

Precious John, kind to everyone and helpful to all. We are very blessed to have known John - Blessed and Precious Man of God.

Joyce

January 5, 2016

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