John Louis Simmons, was born on October 31, 1939, to the late Timothy John (TJ) and Daisy Bell (Epps)Simmons in Zetella, Georgia. He was the oldest of four siblings, Timothy, Willie, Fannie Mae, and Darrell.

John grew up in Griffin, Georgia and gave his life to the Lord at a young age, and was a member of what would become the Mount Zion United Methodist Church in Zetella, Ga. As he grew older, he was involved with various activities in high school such as band, chorus, student government and was one of the first members of the Bogarsuns Social Club at Fairmont High School. He also taught himself to play the piano and became very involved in the church through music, not only at his church but at churches throughout the city of Griffin. Starting his own gospel group in his 20s, the JLS Gospel Singers would minister through song at various churches with a sound, in the likes of Shirley Caesar, The Caravans and other popular gospel singers and groups of that time. After many years of playing for more choirs than we can name, he gave it all up to place his focus on his new church. The 3 churches in one, Faith United Methodist Church.

Throughout John's life he loved the idea of fellowship with family, church, and friends. He loved exploring places outside of Griffin, and as such, would take his wife, Rose, and the family on vacations, not once but twice a year. The family enjoyed Spring break and, 4th of July week vacations every year, sometimes, slipping a Christmas trip in as well. He also served as a Leader of both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. He was actively involved and served for 17 years as the Treasurer for the Fairmont High School Alumni Association, Inc. He was also the Musician for the Georgia Choir Association comprised of many local church choirs which would often come together for Musicals throughout the years. He would plan church trips to places like Epworth by the Sea, and Disney World as well as Caribbean Cruises for family and friends. He would also plan bus trips for community members to the outlying places where people gave their money away or if lucky, won money (smile). He was, for several years, the Treasurer of the Griffin-Spalding Black Heritage Festival Committee. John was truly a people person. Wherever John went, he was sure to run into someone he knew in his hometown and the places he worked in the past.

John was a natural leader and served in the position of a leader for many years, even as far back as high school, as the President of the Student Body of Fairmont High 1958-59. He served at Faith UMC as a Trustee for many years and as the Leader of the United Methodist Men. He also played for and directed the "Mighty Men of Faith" men's choir, amongst other leadership positions.

He worked for companies such as Butler Shoes, Pilgram Health & Life Insurance, and Commercial Bank & Trust Co.. His last place of employment was with United Parcel Service where he would retire after 25 years.

John transitioned from this life on July 4, 2023. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Willie Simmons, and Darrell Simmons, his sister Fannie Mae Banks, and half-brothers, Rev. Albert James (A.J.) Simmons and Felton Simmons.

Leaving to cherish his memories are his wife and high school sweetheart, Rose Marie (Walker) Simmons, daughter, Carla Aveirls of Stone Mountain, Georgia, son Patrick (Sylvia) Simmons of Woodbridge, Virginia, daughter, Julie (Calvin) Essex, and daughter, Melanie (John) Brown of Augusta, Georgia; granddaughters, Vashti, Imani, Zariah, and Kaiya; brother Rev. Timothy (Betty Lou) Simmons of Clovis California, Sisters-in Laws, Betty Calloway, Lydia Copeland, and Shirley (Felton) Simmons of Columbia, South Carolina along with a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the "Faith United Methodist Men" at www.paypal.com/paypalme/faithumcofgriffin .

Funeral Arrangements entrusted to McDowell's Funeral Home, Inc.