Deacon John Edward Simmons, Jr's Obituary
Deacon John Edward Simmons, Jr. MSGT, USAF RET
“In my Father's house, there are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” John 14:2
Deacon John Edward Simmons, Jr. was born March 24, 1943 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late John Edward Simmons, Sr. and Betty Lewis Simmons. Deacon Simmons departed this earthly life to be with his Heavenly Father on April 5, 2016 in Tacoma, WA. He was lovingly surrounded by his family and friends at the time of his transition.
John Simmons was raised in a loving home with both of his parents and his sisters, Jessie Mae, Winnie and Faye. He was a very bright, intelligent child who consistently made good grades all through elementary, junior high and senior high. He graduated with honors in the Class of 1960 from A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham. John valued education and completed two Masters Degrees while simultaneously working full time in the United States Air Force and the Washington State Department of Corrections, respectively. He received a Master of Science in Human Resources from Chapman University, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from St. Martin's University. John completed both degrees with honors.
After graduation at the age of 17, John enlisted in the United States Air Force. His occupational specialty was with the USAF Security Police. His intelligence and leadership skills served him well in the USAF and he was on a fast track for promotion. John served in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. His duties took him around the world and included assignments in Korea, Japan, and Richards-Gebaur AFB in Kansas City; Chinute AFB in Champaign IL; Blytheville AFB in AR; Eilson AFB in AK, and finally McChord AFB in WA. John had an illustrious career in the USAF, serving a total of 26 years, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant in the Security Police on August 29, 1986. Following his USAF retirement, he joined the Washington State Department of Corrections as a Corrections Officer at McNeil Island Prison. After McNeil Island, he became a Parole Officer with the Department of Corrections and he served with the D.O.C. for 20 years, retiring in 2006.
In 1998, John joined Good Hope Community Church of God In Christ and received Jesus Christ as his personal Lord and Saviour. John's spiritual life grew tremendously at Good Hope under the anointed leadership and teaching of his Pastor, Superintendent Dr. Larry W. Carter. His favorite Scripture was John 14:2, which he would constantly recite to his family until his exodus. Praise God that John was well prepared and ready for his final journey. Always operating with a servant’s heart, John became deeply involved with the ministry. He served tirelessly and faithfully, and was appointed President of the Men of Distinction Men's Department of Good Hope. A well-respected leader, John was appointed Deacon at Good Hope and was later promoted to Head Deacon, a position in which he served selflessly, aiding Pastor Carter with the ministry. John always advised the Deacons to serve willingly, selflessly and not to seek attention, for promotion comes from the Lord. John was a distinguished man of faith who served in the local church and community with dedication and love for 18 years. His leadership in the church has been an inspiration to many in the church and the Puget Sound District. John served Good Hope, the Puget Sound District, the military community, his family and friends faithfully until his home going.
John met his beloved wife Ollie V. Head in 1965 while he was stationed at Chinute AFB in Champaign. They were married on September 3, 1966. John was a loving husband and father who deeply treasured his family. He is preceded in death by his father, John Edward Simmons, Sr.; mother, Betty Simmons; sister, Winnie Scott and son, Gregory Dorsey. John leaves to celebrate his life and continue his legacy his beloved wife of 49 years, Ollie V. Simmons. Children; Derrick (Charlotte) Cribbs, Rita (Clark) Sappington, Gary Dorsey, Yolanda (Byron) Flanagan, Sharona (Ewart) Wong and Sean Simmons; sisters Jessie Mae Lewis; Johnita Faye (Luke) Jackson; Doris (William) Harmon and stepmother, Bessie Simmons. He and Ollie are blessed to have 14 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and family friends.
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