Marshall Simms, Jr. was born on August 14, 1941, in Lumber City, Georgia to Marshall Simms and Josie Simms. His family moved to Waterloo, Iowa where he was raised. Marshall was raised in the church and professed his love for Christ at an early age and again later in life as he became a Deacon and Elder in the church. He continued to spread the word of Christ and remained faithful until the very last moments of his life. Marshall graduated from East High School in Waterloo, Iowa in 1960. While at East High School, he played for the varsity football team where he was an outstanding fullback.The following year Marshall became a dad to his first blessing, daughter Jacqueline Marie Hunt. After graduating from High School, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on August 10, 1960. While in the Marines and due to his high level of intelligence, work ethic, integrity and physical fitness, Marshall became a MP (Military Police). He served in the Marines for four years until he received an honorable discharge on September 16, 1964. Marshall was extremely proud of being a US Marine and would fly the US and Marine Corps flags in front of his home, and proudly display them on his rear bumpers and hats. After being medically discharged from the Marines, he married and had two children from this union, Marshall Allen Simms and Marcus Asa Simms and 3 step children, Ida, Heavy and Robert. In 1971, he earned his Associate of Arts Degree at San Bernardino Valley College, where he met Brenda Lee Cooper. They immediately fell in love and married on September 2, 1971, and were inseparable for nearly 53 years of marriage. Brenda was the LOVE of his LIFE and Marshall was the LOVE of her LIFE. Their marriage resulted in the birth of John Lennon Simms and brought together 5 boys and 1 girl. Allen, Renee, Taylor, Marcus, LaRahn and John. Marshall worked for the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) as an Electrician for 30 years. For 30 years he was considered a master of his craft and as a result would travel the country and be away from home for weeks at a time building radar towers for commercial and military aviation. After 34 years of working for the Federal Government, he retired on November 30, 1997. Marshall also had his own TV business “Simms TV Service.” He worked in the garage repairing TVs in his spare time and on weekends. While the boys were growing up, Marshall attended each one of their football games and watched his stepdaughter be a cheerleader. Although he traveled a lot due to his job, he never missed a game. All of his kids’ pictures and awards were proudly displayed in the house. He considered the pictures a ring of honor. Eventually the grandkids pictures were added to the ring of honor. Marshall was a lifelong Oakland Raiders and Iowa Hawkeyes fan. He loved football and had multiple TVs playing at the same time so he wouldn’t miss any games. He also loved the Los Angeles Lakers and the Golden State Warriors. During his retirement Marshall earned his school bus driver certificate and refrigeration license. He was extremely proud of receiving his refrigeration license. Marshall again proved his ability to learn and overcome obstacles even though he had a hearing disability. He excelled in his refrigeration class and was asked to be an instructor. He accepted the challenge and was very successful as an instructor and mentor to many young students. Unfortunately, the excitement didn’t last long as he quickly realized his boss was a racist and a bully. Marshall was a very prideful man and would often pray to God to give him strength, guidance and wisdom to overcome discrimination. Marshall would often say God is testing me. At one point his boss threw a pencil directly at Marshall and yelled at him in front of the entire class. Marshall did not react to it. Now we all know if Marshall wasn’t saved and was in a different place spiritually, what the outcome would have been. After a few months of poor treatment Marshall decided to move on, but prior to him leaving he would always talk to the younger students about the Lord and making good decisions. When Marshall advised his boss he was quitting, he never went into detail as to why, but his boss said, “I need you.” Marshall left the instructor position with his head held high and God on his side. Marshall continued to focus on his wife Brenda, family and God. Marshall was baptized for a second time with his family by his side at Community of Faith with Pastor Foley presiding. He became a Deacon and discussed the importance of having a relationship with God and family. In early 2021, Marshall was diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a non-curable lung disease. He never felt sorry for himself and never complained. Marshall was humble and didn’t want others to feel sorry for him. He never gave up hope and continued to fight until God called him home. Marshall received the ultimate promotion on July 7, 2024, and is now in the presence of his heavenly father. He is proceeded in death by his parents Marshall & Josie Simms, sister Ann, brother LC, daughter Jackie and stepson Robert. Marshall leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Brenda Lee Simms; daughter Renee (Mario) of Santa Clarita, CA, sons; Allen, Marcus of San Bernardino, CA, LaRahn (Trisha), John of Fresno, CA and Taylor (Jaeda) of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Stepdaughters Ida of Victorville, CA, and Heavy of Pomona, CA. A host of grandkids, great grandkids, nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews along with cousins and friends.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.3