Extracted from The Houston Chronicle (Houston, TX)
Sunday, July 21, 2002

SIMMONS

JOHN URIE SIMMONS, 78, went to be eternally with Jesus Christ his Lord on July 19, 2002.

Son of Elizabeth Edwards Simmons and Judge John U. Simmons of Gulfport, MS, he is survived by his wife of fifty years, Anne Woodward Simmons, sons and daughters-in-law John Corbin and Kirby Devine Simmons, Kelly and Christie Plumb Simmons, and Edward and Sharon Lee Simmons; grandsons Caleb, Austin, and Christopher Simmons; granddaughters Carolyn, Kelsey, and Casey Simmons.

Born in New Orleans, John was raised in Gulfport, MS. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was transferred to the U.S. Merchant Marines. He graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in 1945 with a B. S. degree and the rank of Lieutenant, having served as an engineer aboard ship during WWII. He also received a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Mississippi in 1950 and was declared a Juris Doctor in 1968. He practiced law in Gulfport the summer of 1950, then earned a B. S. in Engineering in 1953. He worked for DuPont, Ingalls Shipbuilding and began his sales career with Robertshaw Controls Company. He later worked for E.M.C. and Powell Electric Company. He was listed in Who's Who in the South and Southwest.

After retirement, his attention was turned to Christian work and study. He received an Associate of Theology degree from the School of Bible Theology and became an ordained minister through Christ for All Nations Evangelistic Association Inc. For the last 12 years, he and his wife taught Bible classes together, concentrating on the subjects of faith and healing. They were privileged to see God perform miracles in many cases. Although he will be missed greatly, family and friends rejoice today for his abundant entrance into the presence of the Lord.

A celebration service will be held at the Encourager Church, 10950 Old Katy Road, 2 P.M., Tuesday, July 23, followed by a fellowship at the church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to The Encourager Church or The Living Stones Church in Alvin.