John Govan Simms Jr.

John Govan Simms, Jr., age 84, passed away peacefully in Tampa, Florida on August 5, 2026. Born in Miami on February 6, 1942, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a business degree before proudly serving his country in the United States Air Force for six years as a Captain. John worked as an executive in transportation in Miami-Dade County for many years and retained friendships with his co-workers long after his retirement. He dedicated himself to furthering academic research and preservation of the literature of his great grandfather, writer William Gilmore Simms, by donating to the University of Alabama, the University of South Carolina and Stetson University. He was a devoted supporter of many charities and organizations, and was known as a generous, kind-hearted philanthropist.

He is survived by his niece, Elizabeth Villanova (Bobby Villanova), nephew William Counts Jr., as well as his two great-nephews Luke Simms Villanova and Jack Grady Villanova.

A private veteran cemetery burial will take place in Apopka at Edgewood-Greenwood Cemetery on August 21, 2026.