Joel Simmons

Retired Banker AUGUSTA, Ga.- Entered into rest Tuesday, January 27, 2004 at University Hospital, Mr. Joel Simmons, 79, husband of the late Mrs. Sibyl Wilkes Simmons. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, January 30, 2004 at Aldersgate United Methodist Church with the Rev. John Whatley, Rev. Grady Wigley and Rev. Harvey West officiating. Interment will follow in Westover Memorial Park. Mr. Simmons was a native of Jackson County, Georgia and had resided in Augusta since 1947. He is a retired Vice President of Sun Trust Bank (Formerly First National Bank and Trust Co.) whom he was associated with for 31 years retiring in December 1983. Mr. Simmons was a member of the Uptown Kiwanis Club and a member and Past President of the Forest Hills Lions Club, a member of the Forest Hills Golf Club where he was a member of the Seniors Golfers. He was a member of the Augusta Lions Club, a former member of the Columbia County Exchange Club and the Columbia County Ch amber of Commerce. Mr. Simmons also was a past President of the Augusta Retail Credit Association and twice President of the Augusta Chapter of the American Institute of Banking. He was a founding member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church where was a Lay Leader for two terms, the former Chairman of the Official Board and a Sunday School Teacher of the Dialog Sunday School Class. At Aldersgate, Mr. Simmons was a member of the Chancel Choir where he sang for 15 years and was a past president of the Augusta District of Methodist Men. He was active for many years in charitable fund drives in Augusta. Survivors include one son, Joel W. Simmons and his wife, Susie, Augusta; three brothers, Theron Simmons, Charlotte, N.C., Wayne Simmons, Locus Grove, Ga., and Kenneth Simmons, Birmingham, Ala.; two grandsons, Hogan and Carson Simmons. The family suggests that memorials be made to the Aldersgate United Methodist Church Building Fund, 3185 Wheeler Rd., Augusta, Ga. 30909. Serving as pallbear ers are Dr. Jeff Hardin, Bob Rowland, Phil Cupp, Dan Hamilton, Earl Wright, Dr. Al Stocks. Pallbearers are asked to be at the funeral home 10 a.m. Friday. Serving as honorary pallbearers are the Uptown Kiwanis Club and are asked to be at the church at 10:30 Friday. A visitation with the family will be 6-8 p.m. Thursday evening January 29, 2004 at the funeral home. Florist: 9 a.m. Friday. Platt's Funeral Home, 721 Crawford Ave., Augusta, Ga. 733-3636. Sign the guestbook at AugustaChronicle.com