John William Simmons

John William Simmons, 77, left his earthly home on August 28, 2020. He unexpectedly passed at Erlanger Hospital in Chattanooga, TN.  He was born on September 3, 1943 in Bradley County, however his adventuresses spirit lead him to visit many places in the world.  Some of his many accomplishments include his degrees from Cleveland State Community College and the University of Tennessee, where he maintained honor recognition. He was an avid runner who was a frequent competitor in many local and statewide races.  He was an avid gun and knife collector and a hunter in his younger years.  Of all his accomplishments and hobbies, being a Papa was his favorite.  He had a deep dedication to all of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren’s accomplishments.  He spent his time at many Bradley Bearette Basketball games, wrestling matches, little league, Walker Valley football, cheerleading events, and commencements. You could find him where “his girls” families were.

He was preceded in death by his parents W.C. and Bonnie Ruth Simmons; his beloved aunt Sadie Teague; his mother and father in law Uva Bell and Samuel Cofer. 

He is survived by his beloved and devoted wife of 58 years, Jane C. Simmons; his brother and best friend Dr. James C. Simmons; his daughters Kimberly Simmons Keller (Donald) and Kristi Simmons Alley (Marcus); his beloved Mary Ellen Harris Folkner, Gayla Miller, and Elaine Day, who he considered his daughters; his grandchildren Jonathon Sivley “Jon Bear”, Michaela Ortiz, “Kayla Cakes”, and her husband Jesus Ortiz “Zeus”, Raleigh Reid Abel “Double R”, Anna Grace Alley “Amazing Grace”, Clay Keller “Clayman”, his great grandchildren Mya Lucia Ortiz “ his sweet baby” Taven Sivley, his “Jon Bear Junior”, and Naleigh Thomas “Na Na”; brother and sister in law Bryan and Charlene Cofer; several nieces and nephews also survive.

A private memorial service will be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, September 2, 2020.  The service will be for family and close friends due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, the reverand Joel Huffstetler will officiate.  The service will be live-streamed on Fike-Randolph and Son's Facebook page. Music will be performed by Clay Keller and Haven Haines.  His final resting place will be in the St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Gardens. A private dinner will follow the memorial service.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church discretionary fund.

We invite you to send a message of condolence and view the Simmons family guestbook at www.fikefh.com