Howard Simmons

SIMMONS, Howard

Howard David Simmons, 85, of Atlanta, GA, passed away peacefully on December 14, 2025, surrounded by his loving family: his children, Elisa and Ryan, his granddaughter, Hayven, and his life partner, Marci Draluck. Born May 30, 1940 in Atlanta to Sanders and Eula Simmons, Howard grew up in Athens, GA. He earned a B.S. from UNC and a JD from UGA in 1965. Howard practiced law for 60 years, serving clients with integrity and generosity, and later volunteered with the Fulton County Board of Equalization and the Georgia Bar Association.

Above all, Howard was a devoted and beloved father, grandfather, and partner. A lifelong Atlantan, he deeply loved the city he called home.

Howard had a passion for fine wine, food, travel, music, and the arts. He especially enjoyed wine tastings, volunteering at wine festivals, and decades of concerts at the Fox Theatre and Chastain Park. Curious, kind, endlessly engaging, he never met a stranger and lived by a strong code of fairness and compassion.

Howard is survived by his daughter, Elisa Simmons; his son, Ryan Simmons; his granddaughter, Hayven Simmons; and his longtime life partner, Marci Draluck. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sanders and Eula Simmons; and his beloved wife, Harel Simmons. Donations in Howard's memory may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Society. www.colorectalcancer.org and/or American Birthright Israel https://www.birthrightisrael.com. A graveside service will be held today, December 16, 2:30 PM at Greenwood Cemetery, Atlanta. Dressler's Jewish Funeral Care, 770-451-4999