Funeral services for Mr. Joe L. Simmons will be held on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016 at noon from Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Rev. Wilbert Jenkins, officiating minister. Full Military Honor Burial will follow in

the churchyard cemetery. Hudson Funeral Services, Greenville, Ala. directing.

Joe L. Simmons was gifted to the late George Simmons Sr. and the late Wattle Lee Murphy Simmons as their eldest child on March 12, 1946 in Greenville, Ala. Joe L. graduated from Greenville Training School in 1964. He believed in hard work and viewed every obstacle as an opportunity.

Joe L. learned at an early age to reverence God and gave his life to Christ. He was an honorable member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, which he loved dearly. Joe L. served dutifully until the Lord called him home on Oct. 7, 2016.

Joe L. Simmons met the love of his life in Greenville, Ala. He made it known that he was determined “not to let her get away.” Joe L. fell in love and married Hattie Allen Simmons in 1964. They shared 51 beautiful years of marriage. They took pride in taking great care of each other. Hattie and Joe L. appreciated and cherished their fun time together. They loved entertaining, sharing, traveling, watching

the games and westerns together. Joe L. reminded Hattie daily of his love for her.

In 1964, Joe L. enlisted in the U.S. Army. He dutifully and valiantly served our country two times in Vietnam War and several other countries. Joe L. enjoyed his occupation as financial advisor.

After 21 years of service he retired as sgt. first class E-7 with many commendations and accreditations. He then went to work for the government in civil service for four years.

As nieces and nephews in the community Uncle Joe, being an elder, taught us to love and take pride in who we are. He always stressed for us to be financially be aware and be prepared for anything that the future holds. He taught us to possess self-awareness and know that through Christ we could accomplish anything.

Joe L. leaves to cherish his memories a devoted, loving and cherished wife , Hattie M. Simmons; three brothers, George Lee (Doris) Simmons and Earnest (late wife, Ora) Simmons, both of Greenville, Ala.; Roosevelt Simmons of St. Louis, Mo., and his baby sister, Yvonne Simmons (Donnie) Turner of Birmingham, Ala.; three sisters-in-law, Wonda Fay (John Henry Mack) and Evelyn Shepherd (Tommie), both of Greenville, Ala., and Betty Rudolph (Eddie Kimbrouch) of Beatrice, Ala.; three aunts, Susie  Palmer of Birmingham, Ala., Autherine (Knox) Flemings and Inez Johnson both of Chicago, Ill.; and one uncle, Essix (Leola) Murphy of Robbins, Ill.; Judy Lewis, family friend and loving caregiver to Hattie, a host of nieces, nephews,  great nieces and nephews, cousins family, friends and his trusted furry friend (BO).