Dr. John Richard Simmons

Obituary For Dr. John Richard Simmons

Dr. John Richard Simmons, 71

John Richard Simmons was born in Morven, GA on October 7, 1949 to the late Conley and Alice Simmons. He entered into eternal rest Friday, November 6, 2020 in Swainsboro, GA. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by four siblings, Mary Gosier, Leila Simmons, Conley Simmons, Jr., and Marlon Simmons.

John Richard joined Dillinoy C.M.E Church at an early age.

He was educated in the Brooks County School system and graduated from the Washington Street High School. While attending WSH, he was a member of the Wildcats Marching and Jazz band.

He earned five degrees which included a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics with a minor in Chemistry from Albany State College in Albany, GA, a Master’s in Mathematics Education from Valdosta State College in Valdosta, GA, an Education Specialist in Mathematics from Georgia Southern University in Statesboro, GA, Doctor of Education in Leadership and PhD in Mathematics Education from The University of Georgia in Athens, GA.

During his enrollment at Albany State College, he pledged and became a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

John Richard was employed with Coffee County Schools as a teacher for six years. He was later employed by Swainsboro Technical College as a Math instructor for 26 years before retiring in 2003.

After completing his PhD in Mathematics Education, he was employed by East Georgia State College as Asst. Professor of Mathematics for several years before retiring again in 2012.

John Richard was a master chess player and competed in tournaments around the country. In the Swainsboro- Emanuel County, he was past president and Lt. Governor in the Swainsboro Evening Optimist Club, Director, Swainsboro – Emanuel County Chamber of Commerce, and Board of Directors member, Emanuel Medical Center.

He leaves to cherish precious memories his loving and devoted wife, Gladys, Swainsboro, GA; son, Keith Henry (Donna); daughter, Rhonda Bennett (Dennis) of Adel, GA; step-daughter, Bianca Smith of North Chesterfield, VA; grandchildren, Quinton Simmons, Briana Tatum (Michael), Jatiya Pickett, Kierra Simmons, Nicholas and Nathaniel Smith, Christopher and Chantel Anderson; great-grandchildren, Jaden, Jatavia, Mikayla, Kaison, Jaylee, and Michael; sisters, Annie Ruth Ivory (Jesse) of Orlando, FL; Ernestine McCall (Walter) of Morven, GA; brother, Robert Simmons of Morven GA; sister-in-law Annie Mae Simmons of Morven, GA; aunts, Julia Brandon and Bertha Ulysses both of Valdosta, GA; his in-laws, Willie Ward (Lillian), Browns Mills, NJ, John Morrison (Lara) of Morven, GA, Evelyn Morrison, Carson Morrison of Barney, GA, Ester Mobley of Virginia Beach, VA, Doris Williams, Rufus Morrison, Jr. (Cheryl), Ruth Ward (David), and Melvin Morrison all of Valdosta, GA; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and former students.

Private services were Saturday, November 14, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. at Pineview Cemetery in Morven, Georgia with Pastor James Miller officiating. Condolences may be shared at stevensmcgheefuneralhome.com Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.