John Otis Simmons, 76 of Jesup died Wednesday, September 5, 2018 in S.E. Georgia Health Systems in Brunswick after a short illness. The Mississippi native, U.S. Air Force Veteran and Nuclear Weapons Specialist proudly lived in Jesup the past 40 years and was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church. He was a retired industrial engineer with ITT Rayonier.

John was an Eagle Scout and later was instrumental in reviving the Boy Scouts of America Troup 450 in Jesup. He was really proud that his grandson, Preston followed in his footsteps and became an Eagle Scout too.

He graduated in 1961 from Taylor County High School where he lettered in 4 sports, football, basketball, baseball and track and received the "most athletic" award in his senior year and went on to graduate from Auburn University "War Eagle" in 1968 with a Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Engineering. Once again, Preston is attending his alma mater at Auburn University.

John was very involved in his community, serving on the City of Jesup Zoning Board and a charter member of the Toastmasters Club. He coached with the Wayne County Recreational Department for the "Green Hornets" Football Team. John was also the Su Chef of a winning Brunswick Stew "cook off"  Team.  In his retirement years he taught Computer Science Technology for the Altamaha Technical College.

John was a 32 ^nd degree Mason of Lodge #112, Valley of Savannah Scottish Rite, York Rite Bodies #70 where he served numerous years as secretary, Alee Shrine Temple where he created the web page and was the webmaster. As a member of the  Jesup Shrine Club, he held several positions such as president, chairman of the Board of Director of Jesup Shrine Club and Jesup Hillbillies.

John was predeceased by his parents, August and Lauree Simmons and a brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and wife, Debbie Simmons.

Survivors are his wife of 54 years, Bobbie Simmons of Jesup; a daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Robert Anderson of Odum; a son and daughter-in-law, Jon "Preston" and Melissa Simmons of Jesup and their children, Preston and Arden, several nieces and nephews.

Memorial services will be 3 P.M. Saturday, October 13, 2018 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church with Rev. Dee Shaffer officiating, along with the American Legion Post 311's presentation of the U.S. Flag and full masonic rites.

The family will receive friends following the service at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shriner's Children's Hospital, 2900 Rocky Point Dr., Tampa, FL 33607.

Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home of Jesup is in charge of arrangements.