Mr. Joseph Emanual Simmons, Jr., age 67, of Waycross, passed away Sunday afternoon (7/31/22) at Ascension St. Vincent’s Riverside following a brief illness.

Born June 4, 1955, in Ridgeland, S.C., he was a son of the late Joseph E. Simmons, Sr. and Jessie Lee Conner Simmons. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Marines from 1972-1976 and was a retired carman from CSX Transportation in Waycross. He was of the Christian faith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, Billy Thrift.

Survivors include his wife, Cathy Taylor Simmons of Waycross; 3 children, Jes (Isaiah) Simmons of Waycross, Mandy (Vic) Sumerall of Madison, MS, and Andy (Hayley) Thomas of Waverly, GA; grandson, Handin Sumerall; sister, Debby Thrift of Waycross; brother, Steven (Doozer) Simmons of Waycross; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Terri and Ron Hall of Blackshear, Kay and Rick Tatum of Woodbine, and Wes and Rebecca Taylor of Blackshear; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A visitation will take place Thursday evening (8/4/22) from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Delores Barr Weaver Heart and Vascular Center/St. Vincent’s Riverside, 1 Shircliff Way, Jacksonville, FL 32204 or at givestvincents.org.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.