J. Simmons, Jr.

Jesse Dean "J. D." Simmons, Jr., 80, of 150 Simmons Drive, passed away on Tuesday, June 16, 2009, at his home. Born September 25, 1928, in Fairforest, SC, he was the son of the late Jesse Dean Simmons, Sr. and Vivyer Cooke Simmons. He retired after 30 years of service with Duke Power Company where he was presented the Edison Institute Lifesaving Award on two separate occasions. He was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church, Master and Past Master of Forest View Masonic Lodge #379, 33rd degree Scottish Rite, a member of the Hejaz Shrine, and a U.S. Navy Veteran who served on the U.S.S. Pocono. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Morris G. Simmons of the home; three children, Brenda Simmons Beason and husband John of Crouse, NC, Jesse Dean Simmons, III of Moore, and Wally Gregory and wife Katie of Weston, CT; six grandchildren, Melissa Beason Vacek and husband Greg, Allison Beason Harris and husband Kevin, all of Charlotte, NC, Aaron Beason and wife Sarah of Washington, D.C., Adam Beason of Suzhou, China, Julia Ann and Tripp Gregory of Weston, CT; five great-grandchildren, Grier, Brendan, and Marett Vacek, Aydenn and Owen Harris, all of Charlotte, NC; two brothers, Leon Simmons of Wellford, and Robert Simmons of Reidville; two sisters, Pauline Simmons Wofford of Inman, and Geraldine Simmons Sizemore of Spartanburg; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Blanche Simmons Huff of Newark, OH, and Doris Simmons Wright of Greenville, SC. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 p.m. Thursday, June 18, 2009, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, with Masonic rites at 5:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 19, 2009, at Oak Grove Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Mike McGee and the Rev. Rufus Chaneyworth. Burial will be in Fairforest Baptist Church Cemetery with military rites by the U.S. Naval Reserve. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 3535 Pelham Road, Suite 101, Greenville, SC 29615. The family is at the home. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of J. D. Simmons, Jr. please visit our Sympathy Store.