James "Bud" Marshall Simmons

He joined his wife, Sharon Simmons; son, Kevin Simmons; father, Floyd Simmons; mother, Betty Simmons; and sister, Sherry Terry in peaceful rest.

He was a retiree of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, and later worked for the Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He was a dedicated protector and provider for his wife, children, and many foster children.

Bud was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, as well as gardening. One of the joys of his life was sharing these experiences with others, and passing on his knowledge and expertise to those who shared his passion for these activities.

Bud was a generous man who wouldn't hesitate to lend a helping hand. For instance, when hard snow would hit, he'd drive around in his truck giving stranded people a ride and pulling vehicles out of ditches. He had a big sense of humor, and would go so far as to humiliate himself in order to get a laugh out of others. He cared deeply for people, and though he didn't often say it, he didn't have to because he made it apparent through his actions towards those he loved. He will be dearly missed, and those who knew him will look forward to being reunited with him in Heaven someday.

He is survived by his son, Christopher Simmons: treasured daughter-in-law Jessica; adopted son, Thomas Jeremiah Draper; brothers, Robert Simmons and wife Cindy, Tim Simmons and wife Stephanie; nephews, Jason Terry, Kolby Simmons, Joshua Simmons and wife Donna Marie; nieces, Bobbie Jean Snellgrove and husband Mike, and Kirby Tow, husband Joe; and a wealth of other family, friends and foster children.

Sean Patton (special great-nephew), Todd Snead (cherished friend), Marvin Dixon (dear neighbor), Jeremy Griffin, Alton Smith and Steve McDaniel will act as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Jaylon Jenkins and Stephen "Auggie" Henderson.

We would like to offer an expression of gratitude to Rene Johnson for brightening Bud's life and taking care of him at his twilight.

A special thanks would also like to be extended to SICU Nurse Harrison Gray at GRMC for the compassionate, exemplary care he provided to Bud.

Visitation for Bud will be held Thursday, November 18, 2021 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Home, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, Alabama 35901. Following the visitation will be a funeral service at 2:00 PM at Collier-Butler Funeral Chapel, 824 Rainbow Drive, Gadsden, Alabama 35901. His close friends, ministers Danny Kidd and Traci Nelson will present eulogies.

Bud will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife at Bethany Cemetery in Reece City, Alabama.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Etowah Pregnancy Testing Center.