Joe Wilson Simmons

Joe Wilson Simmons, age 79, passed away on Oct. 5, 2018 at his home in Mary Esther, FL.  Surrounded by his family.

He was born to the late Clester and Lola Simmons of Dresden, Tennessee on Feb. 1, 1939. 

Joe was a graduate of the University of Tennessee, Class of 1962 with his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, soon after he became a dedicated employee of The Boeing Company for 45 years, working in both St. Louis, MO. And with the 46th Test Wing at Eglin Air Force Base.  

Joe was a member of Alpha Masonic Lodge #172 F&AM, Ft. Walton Beach, FL where he was a Past Master.  He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star where he served as Past Patron of both Niceville Chapter #254 and Fort Walton Beach Chapter #202 and a member of Crestview Chapter #203. Known for his outgoing personality, Joe never met a stranger. He greeted everyone with his contagious smile.

Joe enjoyed watching his alma mater Tennessee Volunteers Football with the Big Orange Club for many years. 

He is survived by his wife of 9 years, Judy (Kettler) Simmons, 2 daughters, Candy (Derrill) Talley of Fort Oglethorpe, GA, and Lisa Marie (Robert) Donndelinger of Fort Walton Beach, FL.  He is also survived by his grandchildren, Tiffney (Brian) Holman of Chickamauga, GA. Dustin (Angela) Talley of Fort Oglethorpe, GA. Beverly (Adam) Ellis of Chattanooga, TN, Cody James Sewell of Fort Walton Beach, FL and Kirsten Donndelinger of Fort Walton Beach, FL  Great Grand Children Kathryn, Katelyn, Noah and Natalie.

Joe is also survived by his brother Bob (Billie) Simmons of Indianapolis, IN and his sister, Mrs. Jean Todd of Florissant, MO.

Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, October 11, at 2:00pm at Emerald Coast Funeral Home with Dr. Kevin Davidson officiating. An Eastern Star Service will follow.   A Masonic Graveside Service will be held at Heritage Gardens Cemetery in Niceville, FL. 

Friends may call from 12:00-2:00pm on Thursday October 11, 2018 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home.

Special Thanks to Joe’s caregivers Jan Noble and Michelle Sutton, all of his nurses and doctors, Special Thanks to Dr. Chris Pappas and Emerald Coast Hospice.

Due to Hurricane Michael the visitation for Mr. Joe Simmons has been postponed until Thursday, October 11, 2018, the family will receive friends at the funeral home from 12 Noon until the service hour.  Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers.

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