Jody Simms

Joseph Perry Simms (Jody), age 66, of Lanett, Alabama, passed away January 6, 2026 in Lagrange, Georgia.

Born April 30, 1959 in Langdale, Alabama. Jody was a well known and loved, lifelong resident of the Valley. He touched many lives with his humor, wit and skills. His professional work can be seen throughout the countryside by his craftsmanship during his master stone masonry career, first at Morton Memorial then as Owner/Operator of Valley Monument and lastly retiring from Parmer Monument.

However, his lasting and most rewarding accomplishment was his sharing of his love of nature and fishing on the Chattahoochee River. Jody's award winning photography of the river was exceptional. A testament of not only his fishing skills but his creativity in capturing nature in its splendor. During his illness he was asked what do we want to know about Jody, his answer "I love everybody" he said. This perfectly sums up his life, a remarkable son, brother, husband, uncle, cousin, stepfather/uncle, grandfather, and friend, who not only "loved everybody" but was loved by everybody.

Jody is survived by his wife, Carol Holley Simms, Lanett; his mother Peggy Scott Simms, Lanett; brothers, Michael Scott Simms, Anniston and is partner (Monica Ellison Haynes), James Patrick Simms (Susan) Lillian, Laura Simms Meigs (Jonathan) Lanett; step-children, Lauren McLane Palm, Meghan McLane Dorff (Jacob) and Nick Williams (Dana); several step-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He also leaves behind many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces and cousins that loved their "Uncle/Cousin Jody Simms". Jody will be greatly missed by his close fishing partners, Jamey Wallace, Perry Hood, James Filyaw and his canine fishing partner and river runner Annie Oakley Simms. He had many fishing friends on the Hooch that enjoyed his witticism and anecdotes. Tight lines "Jody Fool" they would say....

He was preceded in death by his father James P. Simms; grandparents, Jim Frank Sr. and Ludie Ward Simms, Walter Raymond Sr. and Jesie Mae Anthony Scott.

A private service will be forthcoming and a celebration of life will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to Wellstar Hospice in Lagrange, Georgia for in remembrance of Jody.

The staff at Valley-Point Funeral Home & Cremation is honored to serve the Family of Mr. Jody Simms.