1928
Billy
2017
Billy Simmons
December 3, 1928 — March 20, 2017
Billy Simmons, 88, passed away Mon. March 20, 2017 at the Mississippi Baptist Medical Center in Jackson, MS. Visitation will be held on Wed. March 22, 2017 from 5pm-7pm at Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon, MS. Funeral Services are 10am on Thurs. March 23, 2017 at Pinelake Church in Brandon, MS with a 1:30pm graveside service to follow at the MS Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton, MS.
Billy Simmons grew up on a family farm in Louin MS. He graduated from Mississippi State in 1950, after working his way through school by pipelining every summer. He married the love of his life, Viva Shirley, that same summer. The Korean War led to his joining the US Air Force, receiving an officer's commission, and serving 22 years before retiring as a full Colonel in 1974. After returning to Mississippi, he served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Medicaid Program for ten years under three governors, and successfully managed hospitals and nursing homes. In retirement years he loved following and supporting every MSU sports team and traveling with the "Rolling Bulldogs."
The consistent testimony of all who knew him or worked with him has been that Billy Simmons was a man of great integrity, godly character, a loyal friend, compassionate man, great boss, and an excellent example and roll model. His memory and example will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. In fact, every one who knew him did love him.
He is survived by his three children, Barry Simmons (Colleen) of Brandon, MS, Timothy Simmons (Francine) of Tampa, FL and Janice Clay (Scott) of Roswell, GA; brother, Terrell Lee Simmons of Louin, MS; five grandchildren, Michelle Hartfield, Jason Simmons, Zachary Simmons, Alyssa Clay, Samantha Clay and three great-grandchildren, Ethan Hartfield, Amelia Hartfield and Lyla Jane Simmons. Mr. Simmons is preceded in death by his wife, Viva S. Simmons.
Billy Simmons grew up on a family farm in Louin MS. He graduated from Mississippi State in 1950, after working his way through school by pipelining every summer. He married the love of his life, Viva Shirley, that same summer. The Korean War led to his joining the US Air Force, receiving an officer's commission, and serving 22 years before retiring as a full Colonel in 1974. After returning to Mississippi, he served as Executive Director of the Mississippi Medicaid Program for ten years under three governors, and successfully managed hospitals and nursing homes. In retirement years he loved following and supporting every MSU sports team and traveling with the "Rolling Bulldogs."
The consistent testimony of all who knew him or worked with him has been that Billy Simmons was a man of great integrity, godly character, a loyal friend, compassionate man, great boss, and an excellent example and roll model. His memory and example will be cherished by all who knew and loved him. In fact, every one who knew him did love him.
He is survived by his three children, Barry Simmons (Colleen) of Brandon, MS, Timothy Simmons (Francine) of Tampa, FL and Janice Clay (Scott) of Roswell, GA; brother, Terrell Lee Simmons of Louin, MS; five grandchildren, Michelle Hartfield, Jason Simmons, Zachary Simmons, Alyssa Clay, Samantha Clay and three great-grandchildren, Ethan Hartfield, Amelia Hartfield and Lyla Jane Simmons. Mr. Simmons is preceded in death by his wife, Viva S. Simmons.
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