Ray Simmons, 60, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2015, at Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness. Ray was a native of Carter County and a son of the late Cecil and Osa Street Simmons. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Darrell Simmons, and a sister-in-law, Wanda Gail Simmons.
Ray was a senior service technician for Atmos Energy and was a charter member of Eastside Freewill Baptist Church, where he also served as a trustee. He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and gardening.
Survivors include his wife of 42 years, Sandi Simmons, of the home; two daughters, Dawn Hardin and husband Chris, of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Jennifer Simmons, of Jonesborough; one brother, Ralph Simmons, of Johnson City; one sister, Sandra Holder and husband Johnny, of Elizabethton; and three granddaughters, Makayla, Sarah and Allison Hardin. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
A service to honor and celebrate the life of Ray Simmons will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday, August 21, at Eastside Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Justin Deaton officiating. The family will receive friends at the church from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, prior to the service, or at the residence at anytime. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 22, in the Patton-Simmons Cemetery with Rev. Sam Nickles officiating. Active pallbearers will be Mark Simmons, Travis Simmons, Chris Holder, David Holder, Melvin Simmons, Daniel Simmons, Josh White and Logan Simmons. Honorary pallbearers will be Ronnie Waldrop, Danny Ornduff, Glen “Buggy” Bowling and Walter “Plug” Berry. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the church at 10:15 a.m. Saturday to go in procession. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to the Eastside Freewill Baptist Church Food Pantry, 704 Siam Road, Elizabethton, TN 37643. Online condolences may be shared with the family at our website, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton, is serving the Simmons family. Office: (423) 542-2232. Obituary Line: (423) 543-4917.