Mr. Joseph Simmons, Sr. was born on October 4, 1923, in Fernandina Beach, Florida. He was the son of the late Lewis Alexander and Edith Simmons. Joseph was also known as “Duck”, a nickname given to him by his only surviving sibling, Albertha Brown-Green. He was called Duck by family and friends throughout his life. As a child, he attended Peck Boarding School. In September 1941, Joseph Simmons was united in holy matrimony to Rose Ann Rice, who died August 9, 1967. This union was blessed with six children: Rose Ann, Joseph Jr., Sara, Edward James, Ricky, and Evett Louise.  
 
Joseph was well known in the community. He enjoyed being around the docks and on shrimp boats. He began his career as a shrimper by heading shrimp and doing odd jobs. He worked his way up to becoming a Captain. As Captain he was in control and traveled to many places and docked at various ports in the states, including Florida, Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.

While he laid, peacefully and quietly in his room at Community Hospice Warner Center in Fernandina Beach, his sunset and the completion of life occurred on Monday, January 5, 2015. He was ninety-one years young. He was preceded in death by his parents; seven siblings, Leroy, Lewis, Willie, Clarence, John, Annie, and Louise; a daughter, Sara; and a special friend, Thelma Brown.

Joseph leaves to cherish his legacy, loving children: Rose Ann Williams (Willie) of Fernandina Beach, Joseph Simmons, Jr. (Ida) of Jacksonville, Edward Simmons (Charmaine) of Jacksonville, Ricky Simmons of Jacksonville, Evett Simmons of Port St Lucie, Tammy Herring of Tacoma, Washington, Chris Simmons of Jacksonville, and Troy Simmons of Gainesville. He was also a father to the children of Thelma Brown: Catherine Jones of Fernandina Beach, Vicki Brown of Gainesville, Brenda Richards (Steve) of New York, Dennis Richards (Linda) of Houston, Texas, Virginia Evans (Willie) of Fernandina Beach, Linda White of Yulee, and Jeanette Billings (Larry) of Tampa. He had 58 grandchildren, 60 great grandchildren, and 28 great-great grandchildren. He had a devoted sister-in law, Eartha Holzendorf; special friends, J.C. Jones and Cynthia McNeil, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends.

The funeral service for Joseph Simmons will be held 11:00 AM, SATURDAY at the Trinity United Methodist Church, 715 Ash St. Fernandina Beach . The visitation will be held 5 - 7:00 PM, FRIDAY at the church. Interment in Bosque Bello Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 765-1234

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