Dred J. Simmons

Dred Jarel Simmons, 72, passed away on Sunday, September 5, 2010 after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Dred was born in San Angelo, Texas to Nora and Jarel Simmons. He graduated class of '57 from San Angelo High School. Dred then joined the U.S. Marine Corps, achieving the rank of corporal in the Marine Corps Reserves. Dred attended Bethany Nazarene College in Bethany, Oklahoma, moved to Austin in 1961, and joined the staff at Centex Swimming Pool Company. In 1975 Dred started a swimming pool maintenance and repair company that he operated until his death. He met his wife Mae at their 40th high school reunion and they married in 2004.

Dred was a lifelong learner and multi-talented man. He loved fishing, cooking for family and friends, working outdoors and building. He created beautiful furniture, natural stone decks, wooden structures of all types, and fruitful gardens.

Dred is survived by his wife, Ura Mae Simmons; son, Gregory Simmons (wife Maricela) of Carlsbad, California; daughter, Jana Newell (husband John) of Fort Smith, Arkansas; step-daughter, Stacy

Gonzalez of San Angelo, Texas; six grandchildren; and four sisters, Marjorie Rice of Midland, Texas, Totsie Barker of Newton, Utah, Janace Holloway of Sandy, Utah, and Gail Harrell of San Angelo, Texas.

A memorial service will be held Friday, September 10, 2010, at 10:00 am at Hillcrest Baptist Church, 3838 Steck Ave, Austin, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the American Cancer Society.