Jerry Evans Simmons

Jerry Evans Simmons, age 96, passed away peacefully on January 27, 2026, in Ft. Walton Beach, FL. He was born March 18, 1929, in Freeport, FL to Hulen A. Simmons and Jewel Goodwin Simmons.

Jerry graduated from Walton High School, DeFuniak Springs, FL in 1948 and served his country in the United States Navy from 1948 until 1952. Returning to his hometown after his discharge from the Navy, he met and married the love of his life, Nellie Ruth Johnson of Freeport.

Jerry was a resident of Fort Walton Beach since 1954. He earned a degree in physics from Florida State University and worked as an electrical engineer for a defense contractor and later in civil service for the United State Department of Defense at Eglin Air Force Base. He retired in 1994 and continued working as a defense contractor consultant for 15 years and as a real estate professional, maintaining his real estate license from 1976 until 2015. He was involved in his community as a former member of the Kiwanis Club, a board member of the Emerald Coast Concert Association, coached tee ball and soccer, served as an Indian Guides leader, President of Pryor Jr. High School Band Parent Association, a Master Mason of Herman Lodge #109 Scottish Rite and many other volunteer activities.

Jerry was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, serving as a Sunday School teacher, deacon and a member of various committees and benevolence. He was honored with a special tribute from the Florida House of Representatives on his 90th birthday for his kind, compassionate, patriotic service, his passion for northwest Florida and his continued desire to lead a productive life while ministering in his community. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Hulen A. Simmons, Jr. and sister-in-law, Eva Simmons.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 71 years, Nellie Ruth; his daughter Rebecca Leigh Simmons Nix (Tommy), his son David Evan Simmons (Kathyrn); 3 grandchildren, Taylor Leigh Nix Hatch (Eddie), Jonathan David Nix and Lydia Kate Simmons; 4 great-grandchildren, Andrew David Nix, Charlie Leigh Hatch, Waylon Nix Hatch and Isabella Greer Hatch; 2 sisters, Phyllis Bucklew (Roger), Frankie Nash (Charlie); and much loved nephews and nieces.

Funeral services to honor the life of Jerry Simmons will be held at the First Baptist Church Ft. Walton Beach, FL at 11:00 a.m. with pastors Dr. Howard Gates and Dr. Wade Humphries officiating. Visitation will be held from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. (one hour before services). A military interment will be held at Brooks Memorial Cemetery followed by a reception at the church.

Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice, caregivers Naomi Moore, Nini Stephens and Roseanna Blankenship for extraordinary and compassionate care. Flowers are accepted and greatly appreciated, or donations to the Wounded Warriors Foundation.