David Earl "Junior" Simmons

Mr. David Earl “Junior” Simmons passed away two days before his ninety-fifth birthday Saturday, February 18, 2017 in Sacred Heart Hospital. He was born February 20, 1922 in Gaskin, Florida, the son of Ras and Minnie Lee Simpler Simmons. He proudly served his country during World War II as an Army Paratrooper but was injured and was forced to end his tour of duty early as a 100% disabled veteran. He returned home from service and began working for Henry Hart; during that time he met Jessie Arrant and within three months they were married and moved to Pensacola where they made their home until present day. Their marriage would have marked seventy-two years in March. Both Junior and Jessie worked on Pensacola Naval Air Base where Junior was an electronics technician for some thirty five years. Junior was an avid Amature Radio Operator, a passion he held for some fifty years, the call letters K4KIF became permanently silenced in the early morning hours of Saturday the 18th.
He is predeceased by his son, Edward Simmons and his siblings, Lilie Davis, Palmer Simmons, Ben Simmons, Curtis Simmons, Otis Simmons and Mildred Wall. The family wishes to thank Dr. Amos Prevatt and staff for their loving care and attention over the years.

Among survivors are his wife, Jessie Arrant Simmons, His daughter Wanda Casey and husband Mike, his granddaughters, Sherry and Sonya and his grandson Jason. His daughter-in-law Glenda Simmons and his sister-in-law Wynell Paul and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

Those asked to serve as pallbearers are Joel Paul, Mike Casey, Randal Simmons, James Hayes, Billy McKee and Wayne Boor. A time of visitation will be Wednesday, February 22, 2017 from 11:00 until Noon in Jerry Evans Chapel. A motorcade to Gaskin Cemetery will follow with a Graveside Service with Pastor Gerald McKee officiating. Burial will follow in the Simmons Family Plot.