1943
Franklin
2015
Franklin O'Neal Simmons
November 23, 1943 — December 24, 2015
Laurens, SC
Franklin O’Neal Simmons
Franklin O’Neal Simmons, 72, formerly of Ekom Beach Road, Laurens, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2015, at Self Regional Healthcare.
Born in Woodruff, SC, he was a son of the late Boyd J. and Elizabeth Evett Simmons. Mr. Simmons was also the grandson of the late Damie and Hubert Evett formerly of Greenville, and the late Thad and Mattie Simmons formerly of Woodruff. He was predeceased by his brother, Roger D. Simmons, formerly of Laurens.
Mr. Simmons initially began his military service as a member of the South Carolina National Guard, and later served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. After returning home from the military, he began his career in law enforcement, proudly serving for nearly two decades in multiple jurisdictions to include Laurens, Mauldin, Whitmire, and Ware Shoals Police Departments, and as Chief of Police in the cities of Davisboro and Siloam, Georgia.
Mr. Simmons was of the Baptist faith, appreciated sharing special occasions with family and friends, and was especially sentimental with regard to his children. Affectionately referred to as “Daddy” and “Grandpoppy,” he will be remembered most for his good sense of humor, discipline, words of encouragement, and pride in his children and their accomplishments. Additionally, Mr. Simmons demonstrated his loyalty as a son in a number of ways, and most notably in caring for his parents during their elderly years. His favorite pastimes encompassed cookouts, fishing, and auto restoration. He enjoyed classic automobiles, western movies, oldies tunes and country music. He was also an avid marksman and enjoyed recreational shooting.
Surviving are his three daughters, Melody L. Simmons of Laurens, Rhonda S. (Michael) Thompson of Greenville, Kearston S. (Bo) Moates of Laurens, and a very special granddaughter, Ressa Hayes Moates of Laurens. Also surviving is his former wife, Virginia F. Simmons of Laurens, and a nephew of Greenwood.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 3:00 in the afternoon at Bellview Baptist Church, Laurens, conducted by the Reverend Adam Powers. Condolences may be expressed to the family by way of the Gray Funeral Home website at www.grayfuneralhome.com .
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bellview Baptist Church, 757 Bellview Church Road, Laurens, SC 29360, or the Fraternal Order of Police, Post Office Box 802, Laurens, SC 29360.
“Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Franklin O’Neal Simmons
Franklin O’Neal Simmons, 72, formerly of Ekom Beach Road, Laurens, passed away on Thursday, December 24, 2015, at Self Regional Healthcare.
Born in Woodruff, SC, he was a son of the late Boyd J. and Elizabeth Evett Simmons. Mr. Simmons was also the grandson of the late Damie and Hubert Evett formerly of Greenville, and the late Thad and Mattie Simmons formerly of Woodruff. He was predeceased by his brother, Roger D. Simmons, formerly of Laurens.
Mr. Simmons initially began his military service as a member of the South Carolina National Guard, and later served in the United States Navy during the Vietnam era. After returning home from the military, he began his career in law enforcement, proudly serving for nearly two decades in multiple jurisdictions to include Laurens, Mauldin, Whitmire, and Ware Shoals Police Departments, and as Chief of Police in the cities of Davisboro and Siloam, Georgia.
Mr. Simmons was of the Baptist faith, appreciated sharing special occasions with family and friends, and was especially sentimental with regard to his children. Affectionately referred to as “Daddy” and “Grandpoppy,” he will be remembered most for his good sense of humor, discipline, words of encouragement, and pride in his children and their accomplishments. Additionally, Mr. Simmons demonstrated his loyalty as a son in a number of ways, and most notably in caring for his parents during their elderly years. His favorite pastimes encompassed cookouts, fishing, and auto restoration. He enjoyed classic automobiles, western movies, oldies tunes and country music. He was also an avid marksman and enjoyed recreational shooting.
Surviving are his three daughters, Melody L. Simmons of Laurens, Rhonda S. (Michael) Thompson of Greenville, Kearston S. (Bo) Moates of Laurens, and a very special granddaughter, Ressa Hayes Moates of Laurens. Also surviving is his former wife, Virginia F. Simmons of Laurens, and a nephew of Greenwood.
A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 9, 2016, at 3:00 in the afternoon at Bellview Baptist Church, Laurens, conducted by the Reverend Adam Powers. Condolences may be expressed to the family by way of the Gray Funeral Home website at www.grayfuneralhome.com .
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bellview Baptist Church, 757 Bellview Church Road, Laurens, SC 29360, or the Fraternal Order of Police, Post Office Box 802, Laurens, SC 29360.
“Old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Franklin O'Neal Simmons, please visit our flower store.
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