Larry Dean Simmons, Sr.

Larry Dean Simmons, Sr. was born to Tom Willis and Adell Brooks Simmons on June 6, 1949, in Trinity, Texas.

He excepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Clegg Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.  He attended Westside High School where he was a star football player.  He was proud to be a Thoroughbred.  After graduation, he continued his education at Houston Community College, receiving an Associate Degree in Psychology, and certificate in air conditioning and refrigeration.

He was drafted in the United States Army in 1966 where he served in the Vietnam War.  He also joined the United States Marine Corps, graduating June 22, 1971, Platoon 2044 in San Diego, California.  Larry married Margie Jackson, and to their union, three children were born.  He was blessed to see five generations of his family on Earth.  Larry was a kind spirit that loved his Lord and family more than anything else.  He always had a kind smile to lend, and anyone would be hard pressed to find him without a fresh cup of coffee in one hand and roasted peanuts or a snickers bar in his shirt pocket.  

Larry is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Bennett Simmons; parents Tom and Adell Simmons; brother Tom Willis Simmons, Jr; sisters Barbara Kay Simmons, Janis Simmons Birdwell, and Velma Saldana Jefferson; grandson’s LaKendrick Simmons and Anfrenee Simmons.

He is survived his sons, Anthony Simmons, Sr., Larry Simmons, Jr., and Andre Jackson, Sr.; daughter Stefanie (Michael) Byerly; grandchildren Michael, Ayramis, Jacei, Anthony, Aniyja, Larry, III, Anthony, Jr., La’Riyah, Javaris, De’Janay,  and Tyeshia; great-grandchildren Aiden, Jayceion, Mykah, Amauri, Alyssa, Benaiah, Jasali, Kaleyanna, Anteniya, Landrick, A’drick, Kynzlee, Ansleigh, De’Andre, Collins, Navia, Hezekiah, Kush, Naiyla, Jenson, and Jerron; great-great-grandchild Kei’lani.  And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Larry will be dearly missed by those he leaves behind to cherish his memory and to protect his legacy.