Thomas Carlton Simms Jr

Thomas Carlton Simms, Jr. entered his eternal rest on May 22, 2017, at the age of 90. Also known as T.C. Simms or Carlton, he was born December 14, 1926 in Madison County, Florida. He was the son of Jesse Yates Raines and Thomas Carlton Simms, Sr., and brother to Anna Belle Simms Foures and Virgil Agan Simms (Gloria).

T.C. (Carlton) was many things to many people: A World War II Navy veteran, a proud graduate of Stetson University, a Sergeant with the Jacksonville Police Department (Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office), a husband, a father, a grandfather, a step-grandfather, a great-grandfather, a brother, an uncle, a strong Christian leader in his church since 1961 (Riverside Primitive Baptist Church), a friend to many, and a role-model for all. He lived by Faith, with Grace, and shared his Wisdom abundantly in serving his God, his family, his country, and his community.

One of the many joys in T.C.’s later life was indulging his passion for trains and travel. This fascination propelled him to join the North Florida Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, and prompted him to travel across the U.S. with his good friend, Linda Carter, and his brother, Virgil (Gloria). T.C. was also proud of his association and 50+ years of membership with Lodge 5/30 of the Fraternal Order of Police, in addition to his membership in the National Association of Retired Cops (NARC).

T.C. was preceded in death by his wife of 46 years, Francis Juanita Kemp Simms, and his parents, brother, and sister, listed above. He leaves behind his two sons, Thomas Carlton Simms, III and Steven Merrill Simms (Trisha); grandchildren, Cheyenne Robenolt (J.P.), James Caleb Simms and Richart Zane Simms; Honorary granddaughter, Jordan Uhrmacher; two Step-grandsons, Jason and Eric Troemel; two Step-granddaughters, Aleyah Marie and Taylor Lynn; a sister-in-law, Gloria Simms; and a host of nieces and nephews whom he cared for deeply.

The family is deeply thankful for all the calls, visits, cards and prayers that have sustained us all during the last two weeks, including the Facetime chats with his niece, Gwen McMichael Davis. We also extend our gratitude to all the staff at Terrace of Jacksonville and Haven Hospice for their kindness and caring of T.C. during his final days with us.

A visitation will be held from noon to 2:00pm with a funeral service to follow at 2:00pm on Friday, May 26, 2017 at Hardage-Giddens Hendricks Chapel, 4115 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville, FL. Graveside service will be Saturday, May 27, 2017, 1:00pm in Vidalia, Georgia at Pinecrest Cemetery. Services will be officiated by Elder Lee Chambers of Riverside Primitive Baptist Church, Jacksonville, Florida.

Arrangements by Hardage-Giddens Oaklawn Chapel, 4801 San Jose Blvd., Jacksonville www.hardagegiddensoaklawnchapel.com.