Sidney Simmons Sr., 76, died Monday, December 29, 2008. He was born to the late Ed Willet Simmons and Matilda Wright-Simmons on July 31, 1932 in Putnam County. He was well known for his willingness to help others and being an extremely hard worker. He always had a joke to keep you laughing. He will be remembered for his humorous attitude by all who ever met him.

He was married to the late Eva Bell Head Simmons for 50 years and they had 12 children, Joe Ann S. Grier (Ben), Sidney Simmons, Jr. (Debra), Jannie Mae S. McGahe (Tommy), Marvin Simmons (Loretta), Minnie S. Bolden (Clifford), Mosel S. Burke (Thomas), Terry Simmons (Debra), Dannie Simmons (deceased), Sandra S. Smith (Johnny), Naomi S. Hunter (Tony), Willie Simmons and Weyman Simmons (Christina). A brother, William H. Simmons and a sister, Doris Simmons Clark, preceded him in death. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Pearl Williams (David) and Doris Head Sheppard (William); two brothers-in-law, Samuel Head (Stella) and Eddie J. Head (Florine) and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Funeral service was held at 3:30 p.m., Sunday, January 4 at Smyrna Baptist Church with Rev. Harlan Heard and Rev. Robert F. Broughton officiating. Interment was in Greater Moses Baptist Church Cemetery, Rutledge.
Flower girls were Talissa Burke, Tonya Head, Jennifer Smith, Donna Briney, Amy Simmons, Tammy Simmons, Eva Mae Ivory and Tamosazia Smith. Pallbearers were Marvin Simmons, Sidney Simmons Jr., Willie R. Simmons, Terry Simmons, Thomas Burke and Johnny Smith.

Mapp-Gilmore Pyramid Funeral Service, LLC was in charge of arrangements.

Printed in the January 8, 2008 edition.