J. B. Simmons, age 80, of Lumberton, NC died on Saturday, October 31, 2009 at Southeastern Hospice House in Lumberton. He was born August 28, 1929 in Columbus County, NC, the son of Ira Barlow Simmons and Mattie Mae Cribb Simmons. He served in the United States Army. He previously worked as a mechanic for Canteen Vending Company.

Mr. Simmons is survived by his wife, Martha Bowen Simmons of the home; two sons, Gene Simmons and wife, Jackie of Lumberton, NC and Deane Simmons and wife, Margaret of Lumberton, NC; one brother, Bill Simmons of Biloxi, MS; four sisters, Oree Dew of Chadbourn, NC, Pearl Dew of Nesmith, SC, Marvlean Godwin Lane of Perry, FL and Doris Ann Lanley of Jacksonville, NC; four grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009 at 2:00 PM at Floyd Memorial Chapel in Lumberton with Rev. Larry Davis and Rev. John Bruce officiating. A time for visitation will follow the service.