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IN LOVING MEMORY OF John Ashley Simmons, Jr.
John Ashley
Simmons, Jr.
Aug 26, 1943 — Jul 29, 2022
Rowland
John Ashley Simmons, Jr.'s Obituary
John Ashley Simmons, Jr. ("Papa John"), was born August 26, 1943 in Lumberton, NC to the late Ashley Simmons and Lois Andrews Simmons. He went home to be with the Lord on Friday, July 29, 2022, at the home.
Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Emerson Simmons of Fairmont, NC, and a granddaughter, Sarah Grantham.
He is survived by his wife, Sylvia "Sue" Simmons of the home; his children: Anita Simmons Grantham Fields of Arden, NC, Lisa Fields and husband Garrett of Hendersonville, NC, John Ashley Simmons III and wife Linda, Mark Anthony Simmons and wife Loria, and Terry Lynn Simmons and wife Brandy, all of Lumberton NC; a stepson, Brian Collins of the home; 15 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Zelma McGugan and husband Harry of Red Springs, NC; and a host of other family and friends!
Papa John lost his Daddy when he was just 10 years old and from that moment he became the man of the house, helping his mother take care of his younger brother and sister. After Papa John married his first wife, Betty Ann, they had 5 children of their own to care for and if his children brought anyone home, he took care of them too! He taught his children to love each other and he instilled a strong work ethic in each one of them. While raising his children he worked in the Mill in Red Springs, NC, then for Ed Reynolds servicing jukeboxes, pinball machines, and pool tables. He was a wiz at restoring jukeboxes all over NC and SC. He also installed satellites when they first became the next big thing! Papa John's final job before retiring was driving trucks, and he was known as the "Swamp Fox" on the CB radio!
In 1991, he gave his heart to Jesus and his life was forever changed. If anyone knew Papa John, they knew he was an inventor -- he was always inventing things to make his work easier. He had a great love for his family and a great love for singing songs to Jesus. He always had a story to tell (and it was never a short story) and a song to sing. If you ever visited him, you would hear one or the other -- or both -- and he could lighten any situation with his humor! He was a loving husband to his wife, Sue, and he was Papa John not just to his grandchildren -- he became known as Papa John by anyone who was blessed to meet him. He has left some mighty big shoes for his sons to fill! You will be forever missed Papa John!
The family will receive friends and loved ones on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, from 6:00-8:00 PM at Floyd Mortuary & Crematory, Inc., 809 E. 5th Street in Lumberton, NC.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 3, 2022, at 4:00 PM at Eastwood Holiness Church, 1926 McPhail Road in Lumberton, NC, with Rev. Mark Simmons officiating.
To send flowers with our preferred florist or plant a memorial tree, please visit our flower store.
Funeral Services for John Ashley Simmons, Jr.
Visitation
August
2
Tuesday
Floyd Mortuary and Crematory Inc.
6:00 - 8:00 pm
Memorial Service
August
3
Wednesday
Floyd Memorial Chapel
Starts at 4:00 pm
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