Ira “Aaron” Simmons, 84, of Smiths Station, AL passed away early Sunday morning on May 7, 2023, while in the comfort of his home.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon EST on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Vance Brooks Funeral Home in Phenix City, AL with Chaplain Anthony Cook officiating. Interment will follow at Lakeview Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service on Thursday at the funeral home in Phenix City.
Mr. Simmons was born on June 19, 1938, in Brantley, AL, son of the late Joecefus Simmons and Leaner Cathron Napper Simmons. He was employed as a long-haul driver with US Express and retired after many years of faithful service. He had a great love for his job traveling all over the country admiring the landscapes of all the states and Canada. He loved traveling to the Smokey Mountains where he enjoyed playing skee-ball and miniature golf, he shared time camping with his wife and making sure her camp site was always ready at Bluff Creek. He cherished spending time with all his family but especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In his spare time, you could find him enjoying listening to southern gospel music, cheering on his favorite football team, the Alabama Crimson Tide, and snacking on a honey bun or two with his pet dog, “Stitch”, nearby. He was also a member of Golden Acres Baptist Church in Phenix City, AL.
Other than his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Edna Marie Johnson Simmons, his son, Terry Simmons, sister, Pauline Meeks, and a brother, Joe Simmons.
He is survived by his daughter, Rita Roberts of Smiths Station, AL; one sister, Mary Jones of Troy, AL; six grandchildren, Robby Merciers and wife Whitney, Amanda Diffey and husband Jason, Kevin Simmons, Josh Simmons, Brittany Lurker and husband Drew, and Matt Simmons; eight precious great grandchildren, Layla, Candice, Kyle, Brayden, Colton, Alexis, Kayne, and Addie; several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and numerous caring friends.
The family would like to say a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Phenix City, and Touch of Love Home Care. In lieu of flowers, you may make contributions to Gentiva Hospice of Phenix City in memory of Ira “Aaron” Simmons.