- Date Of Birth: October 11, 1947
- Date Of Death: February 16, 2023
- State: Mississippi
Mr. Bobby Gene Simmons, 75, transitioned on Thursday, February 16, 2023, at his residence, in New Albany, MS.
Bobby Gene Simmons was the firstborn child of the late Mr. Robert Simmons and Mrs. Virginia Green McNeal Simmons on October 11, 1947, in New Albany, MS.
Bobby accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age and was baptize at Watson Grove Missionary Baptist Church. Bobby was an active member of Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Deacon Board and head of the Kitchen Ministry.
Bobby graduated from B.F. Ford High School in 1966 and joined the United States Air Force, serving as a policeman and was honorably discharged in 1973. He then attended LeMoyne-Owen College and later Northeast Mississippi Community College in Booneville, MS where he graduated with an associate’s degree in Automotive Technology. Upon graduation, Bobby headed to New Madrid, MO to teach in the public school system.
He returned to New Albany, MS in 1978, working for the City of New Albany where he worked for the Park Commission. He was a member of the New Albany Fire Department. Bobby retired in 2008 at the rank of Deputy Fire Chief. Bobby was a member of the Mississippi Firefighters Association, and was a leader at New Albany being the first African American to be the following; the first paid firefighter, first Captain, and the first Deputy Fire Chief. Bobby also was honored at the 2022 annual celebration at the NAFD supper with the Department Grandfather Award. He returned to work as a retiree to work for the New Albany City Schools as a disciplinary administrator at the alternative school.
Bobby met and married Ann Wade Simmons in 1972, and from this union they were blessed with two daughters, Kimberly and Jennifer Simmons.
In his free time, Bobby shuttled his grandkids throughout Northeast Mississippi to various school-related sporting events.
Body will lie in state 2 hours prior to service.
