Gary Simmons

Gary was born on May 3, 1952 in Adrian, Michigan to Walker and Ethel (Powell) Simmons. Gary graduated from Adrian High School in 1970.

After a brief stint at Michigan State University, he married Elizabeth Anne Winn from Hudson, Michigan in 1975. After the birth of their first child in 1977, they moved to California in the summer of 1978 with their second child on the way. Gary later retired from the County of San Bernardino as a Job Specialist, which he worked for over 25 years.

Gary was known for the laughter he brought to a room and his witty remarks. As his wife fondly remembers, a party didn't start until he walked into the room.

Gary had many interests, one of which was being in the kitchen. He loved to cook and be creative with his recipes. Among his personal favorites were chili verde (the best!!!) and enchiladas. He also made a delicious pot of chili (which was taught to him by his wife). You could regularly find Gary on weekends, out by the grill, cooking for his family, which he loved to do.

Gary also enjoyed any time he could take a trip to Las Vegas. The bright lights, the sounds of the machines, and the free drinks always seemed to give him a renewed sense of energy. He also enjoyed watching the races. Horse racing was a favorite of his and on several occasions you could find his pockets stuffed with win/place/show and superfecta bets.

Gary is survived by his wife Elizabeth (Winn) Simmons of 42 years and four children, Brenna Simmons of San Bernardino, Jeanette McGraw (Ryan) of Highland, Gary Dominic Simmons of San Bernardino, and Ashley Simmons of Pasadena. He is also survived by his four grandchildren: Emily Simmons, Donovan McGraw, Avery McGraw, and Lyla McGraw. Gary is also survived by his sister Patricia Greene of Adrian, Michigan and his brother William (Leilani) Simmons. also from Adrian, along with his many nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his mother and father Walker and Ethel Simmons, his two brothers Ronald Powell and Pvt. Gerald Charles Simmons, and two sisters Frances (Simmons) Bristow and Barbara (Powell) Henry, along with her husband Fredrick Henry, as well as three nieces.

He is also preceded in death by his grandfather, John Simmons Sr. John served in the Civil War as a member of the 54th Regiment of the Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.

A memorial service to honor the life of Gary Simmons will be held in the Spring of 2018.