John sterling Simmons

John Sterling Simmons, age 82, resident of Gulfport, died Friday, June 29, 2007 in Biloxi.
A great man has left this earth. For those who had the opportunity to know him, feel blessed that he touched your life. He knows how greatly he will be missed.
JohnaÌ‚â‚â„¢s nickname was aÌ‚â‚Å“Smiling Johnâ₝ and his grin was contagious. Anyone visiting the Simmons home instantly felt the warm welcome. He was a quiet, unassuming man with a strong character and religious belief, so when he did speak, the words forthcoming were either profoundly deep or extremely humorous. John oversaw the upbringing of his four children along with numerous other aÌ‚â‚Å“adoptedâ₝ souls. He even ensured the grandchildren were properly raised. Family was fundamentally important. He loved having one of his granddaughters, her husband, and her two children live in their home, provinding them care and entertainment for the last several years.
John was a lifelong member of the Masonic Lodge #422 and Order of the Eastern Star 374. He also served in the Navy during World War II. He was an active member of Community Baptist Church on Landon Road in Gulfport.
John was survived by his wife of 57 years, Delma Simmons; four children which include three sons, Don Hartfield, Sr., Robert and Judy Simmons, and Eric and Robin Simmons; and one daughter, Bob and Sharon Barrett; ten grandchildren, Kelly Griffin, Whitney Hartfield, Don Hartfield, Jr., Stacey Bellais, Pam Keeler, Elizabeth Vargas, Ricky Lee, Lisa Millfelt, Chad Lee, Sr., and Erica Simmons; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Bailey Moore, Corey Simmons, Bryce Simmons, Cayden Bellais, Skylar Keeler, Shelby Keeler, Sebastian Fuller, Mersadez-Ann Fuller, Jade Fuller, Brandon Lee, Dylan Lee, Dustin Richard, Saxton OaÌ‚â‚â„¢Brien, Jacob Graves, Chad Lee, Jr., Kyrstan Lee, and Alexus Lee.
The grandchildren have many memories of their Paw-Paw but will fondly and gratefully remember riding around in the back of his aÌ‚â‚Å“bump-bumpâ₝.
Pallbearers will be Ricky Lee, Chad Lee, Sr., Mike Millfelt, Gary Griffin, Fred Bellais, and Dustin Richard. Honorary pall bearers will be Corey Simmons and Josue Vargas.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 1, 2007 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at THE RIEMANN FAMILY'S Riemann Memorial Funeral Home, Hwy 49 North. Services will be Monday, July 2, 2007 at 12:30 in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow at Biloxi National Cemetery.
An online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com