Jimmy Simmons Sr.
February 4, 2021
Jimmy Rand Simmons Sr., known to many as “JR” or “Simmons,” age 72, passed away on Feb. 1, 2021. Jimmy was born in Kennett, MO on May 30, 1948. He moved to Columbus, MS when he was young and laid his roots here. Jimmy graduated from S.D. Lee High School in 1966. While there, he enjoyed playing basketball and football. He was known to all his classmates as a great wit. Jimmy worked for Ceco and later Gulf States as a draftsman and salesman. He also sold Union National Insurance, where he was known as the man with the orange shoes. He received many awards for his sales performance at the company. In the latter part of his life, he had a job that he very much enjoyed at Trotter Convention Center. His favorite part of it was connecting with the many citizens of Columbus. Jimmy loved Columbus and the history of this town. He loved taking people on detailed tours of the town and discussing its rich history. His favorite column was Rufus Ward’s “Ask Rufus.” He never met a stranger and loved people for who they were. As the late Uncle Bunky once lovingly said, “That man will say anything to anyone at any time.” Jimmy loved travel and adventure, including extended time in San Francisco and Colorado. The former served as fodder for the many stories he liked to tell people. He also loved to cook, which is a great thing because everyone loved to eat it, which is an even better thing because he loved having his friends and family around. He had the most loyal and loving friends a man could ask for in this world. He loved his family, especially his grandkids who called him “Papa Mustache.” He is survived by his wife, Deborah Simmons of Maylene, AL; son and daughter-in-law, Shawn and Christie Forrester of New Hope, MS; daughter and son-in-law, Chris and Mary Lucas of Helena, AL; son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy Jr. and Becky Simmons of Marietta, GA; grandchildren, Gavin and Brantley Forrester of New Hope, MS; grandchildren, Elizabeth, Molly and Jonah Lucas of Helena, AL; grandchildren, Jimmy III, Charles, and James Simmons of Marietta, GA; and sister, Linda Gates of West Point, MS. A graveside service will be held at Friendship Cemetery at 1:00 PM on February 6, 2021. Memorial Gunter Peel Funeral Home & Crematory, 716 2nd Avenue North location, has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers please make a donation in his memory to Palmer Home For Children, https://palmerhome.org.
