Jesse Lee “J.L.” Simmons, 83, of Jacksonville, Arkansas passed away unexpectedly on Friday, April 21, 2023. He was born in Duffel, Arkansas (Woodruff County) on December 2, 1939 to the late, William Burl Simmons and Anna Mae Brandon Simmons. He is preceded in death by his siblings, Mary Sue Simmons, Annelle Burrow, William Burl Simmons, Jr. and baby sister, Wanda Simmons.
J.L. proudly served in the United States Air Force retiring after 25 years. He was a 32nd Degree Mason, Caledonia Lodge #280 and a Scimitar Shriner. He was also a long time member of Somers Avenue Church of Christ where he had served as a deacon and voluntarily took care of the church lawn.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Sue Simmons; daughters, Jana O’Dell and husband, Steven of Cabot, AR, Keva Rodgers and husband, Robert of Maumelle, AR; son, Jay L. Simmons and wife, Tommie of Jacksonville, AR; grandchildren, Catherine O’Dell of Cabot, AR, Rhett Rodgers of Jacksonville, AR, Miranda Kinder of Sherwood, AR and Jayson Simmons of Georgia. He is also survived by two great-grandchildren, Daisy and Marshall Kinder.
Visitation will be held at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home on Thursday, April 27, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. followed by a funeral service celebrating J.L.’s life at 2:00 p.m. Burial will be at Rest Hills Memorial Park.
