Gerald I. Simmons

March 25, 1936 – November 15, 2011

Gerald I. Simmons, 75, of Wimauma, passed away November 15, 2011, while fishing on Wimauma Lake.
Born in Plant City on March 25, 1936, Gerald was raised on Grange Hall Loop in Fort Lonesome, Florida. He attended Wimauma School when it served all grades including high school. As a young man he followed his family’s footsteps as a cowhunter tending the family’s cattle in southern Hillsborough County.
In 1954 he married the love of his life Martha (Lowrey) and they raised their family of three children in Gibsonton until 1974 when they moved to Wimauma. Gerald was employed by the Atlantic Coastline Railroad for the first 18 years of their marriage and during that time he founded Gerald Simmons Tropical Fish Farm, Ruskin, which he oversaw until retiring in 2000.
He was passionate about several things. Topping the list was his family, but most recently was his devotion to the Lord, modeling himself to be an example for the next generation.
Gerald was an avid sportsman who loved to hunt and fish and he passed down his knowledge of the outdoors as a priceless legacy to his children and grandchildren. His passion for the outdoors was eclipsed only by his love for NASCAR. He attended races throughout the southeast and was a dedicated fan.
He also loved to cook and was known for his skill around a deep fryer. He organized many fish fries for community events and fundraisers throughout the years including cookouts held for the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Department.
The epitome of a southern gentleman, it was rare to find him without mess of fish, a bucket of tomatoes, a bag of homemade jerky, or a bushel of oysters, ready to share with anyone who crossed his path. His generosity was well-known throughout the community.
Gerald leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Martha  Simmons of Wimauma; two sons, Steve (Chere) Simmons, and Rickie (Yvonne) Simmons Sr.; a daughter, Linda Simmons; six grandchildren, Chrissy (Dan) Hartzog, Rickie Simmons Jr., Ty (Jennifer) Simmons, Timmy Simmons, Jared Hodge, Marcus Wilson; four great-grandchildren, Carlie and Asher Simmons, Hannah Simmons, and Emma Hartzog all of Ruskin; a sister, Evelyn Bell, of Live Oak, FL; a very close cousin, June Sumner of Brandon; a beloved sister-in-law and her husband, Harry and Vonda Cunningham, of Gibsonton; a brother-in-law, Donald Lowrey, of Gibsonton; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends too numerous to name.
He was preceeded in death by a brother Kenneth Simmons; and two sisters Elizabeth Bailey and Barbara Hall.
He was an active member of Simmons Loop Baptist Church in Riverivew; an Honorary Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Deputy; and a member of the Florida Redneck Goatropers Association.
A service was held Nov. 19 at Simmons Loop Baptist Church with Pastor and friend Stacey Bowen officiating. Memorial contributions were made in lieu of flowers to the Simmons Loop Baptist Church building fund.
Arrangements were made by Sun City Center Funeral Home.