Deacon Freddie James Simmons, 71, of Madison, the fifth child born to F.J. and Alice Moore Simmons, was a lifelong resident of the Georgetown community. He transitioned to his eternal home on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. Preceding him in death were his parents and his siblings: Tommie Mitchell, Willie Moore, Marty Roberts Simmons and Lora Lee Richardson.
Celebration of life services, with COVID-19 restrictions, will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, in the sanctuary of St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 497 SW Georgetown Rd., in Madison. Public viewing and visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Friday, Aug. 27, in the chapel of J.P. Moore Mortuary, located at 379 W. Base St., in Madison, (850) 973-6677. Earthly Bed of Slumber: Oakridge No. 1 Cemetery, in Madison.
As a small child, Freddie was given the nickname “Pee Wee” by his dad, a name that followed him throughout his life. He was educated at Madison County Training School. Because of his education, he always stressed with young people the importance of taking education seriously. He made sure his nieces, nephews and others in the community had ample school supplies and other necessities for their success in school.
While he did not have children of his own, he did have a special bond with nieces and nephews who regarded him as their second dad. Freddie was known to discipline them if they needed it, but in hindsight, they regarded him as their gentle giant, with a soft heart. Not only did he share with them, but he did so with others as well.
Pee Wee accepted Christ as his savior early in life and became a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church. As he grew in faith and servanthood, he earned the position as a church deacon, a position he accepted with honor. He also was a faithful member of the church’s culinary committee.
After his retirement from the City of Madison and years working in the water and sanitation departments, he found time to enjoy the little but also the important things in life—leisure driving, sitting around the lake and local stores. He also loved farming, especially raising hogs and growing vegetables.
Forever in their hearts and cherishing his life and legacy are his sisters, Mary Alice Robinson, of Clearwater, Fla. and Toney (Paul) Hampton, of Madison, Fla.; brothers: Stanley Simmons, J.W. Simmons and Ray Charles Simmons, all of Madison, Fla. and Rickey (Tonya) Simmons, of Daytona Beach, Fla.; niece raised as a daughter, Dana (Harold) Davis, of Pinetta, Fla.; nephews raised as sons: Keith “Keybo” (Rolando) Simmons, of Clearwater, Fla., Kevin (Donna) Robinson, of Madison, Fla. and Travis (Fatima) Robinson, of Gainesville, Fla.; special nieces: Pennie Mitchell of Cherry Lake, Fla., Shara McNair and Teresa McNair, both of Madison, Fla. and Sandy Simmons, of Panama City, Fla.; God-daughter, DaBra Lofton, of Tallahassee, Fla.; devoted friend, Alfred Martin of Madison; special neighbor, Gwen Wright Hall, of Madison, Fla.; newly adopted daughter, Kanetra Gilmore of Madison, Fla.; newly adopted grandchildren: Zniah Silas, Terrell Robinson, Traniyah Robinson, Takara Robinson and Greg Cobb; and many other sorrowing relatives and loving friends.
Final care and compassionate services are being provided to the Simmons Family, with love, care and uncompromising dignity, by J.P. Moore Mortuary & Cremation Services, Madison, Fla., (850) 973-6677; Jamarien "J.P." Moore, Mortician.