Perry Lee Simmons

If you asked Perry about himself, he might tell you that he played High School football for the Copperas Cove Bulldogs until he graduated in 1977, and that his mom never missed a game.

He’d probably tell you that he’d been a Lineman with Oncor for 42 years. He’d been with the company even before it was TXU, way back when it was called TP&L, not just because he was committed to the job, but because he truly appreciated the brotherhood and comradery.

Perry’s work ethic was inspiring and he enjoyed not only the rewards but the challenges and hard work that came with being a Lineman. Because yes, he was still a Lineman even if he’d moved up and hadn’t had to climb a utility pole in decades.

He’d definitely tell you about how much he loved his sons Shawn, Jake, and Nick and how proud he was of the men they’d become. And while he was on the subject of pride, he’d make sure you knew all about his Grandkids and how amazing they are.

He’d talk about Donna, the love of his life, and how his favorite place to be was at the lake – AKA The Honky Tonk- with his family. And Perry was blessed with a LOT of family…

He had his brothers Dennis, Tommy, Lonnie, and Kenneth. His sisters Denise, and Joyce. Then there was all of his family by law and by love like Jenna, Sunny, Vicky, Steve, Tammy, Sandy, his former wife Cindy Rose, and his bonus kids Meg, Greg, Garrett, and Andrea.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Perry has 24 nieces and nephews, 31 Great Nieces and nephews, 6 Great- Great nieces and nephews, and more cousins and friends than we could count… so we won’t even try.

Perry was a man who loved a lot of people, and a lot of people loved him. He brought fun and laughter wherever he went, and everyone he met was a little better off for having known him.

And if you were to ask any of them “Who was Perry Lee Simmons” they’d probably tell you that he was funny and always ready to have a good time.

If you wanted to play Chicken Foot or Cards Against Humanity, he was in. If you wanted to go bowling or play a couple round of golf, he was really in. And if you wanted to go to the Casino… Well, then he was “ALL IN”, and you’d better hurry up and pack before he grabbed Donna and left you behind.

His family will tell you that you never had to ask twice if you needed help. Perry was always there to lend a hand. He’d do anything for the people he cared about, and you never had to worry whether or not he had your back because he’d be there no matter what.

Perry was someone who even while fighting his own battle still put others first until the end, and he’s carved himself a place in so many lives and hearts that he’ll never really be gone. He’ll be in our thoughts every time someone goes out to the lake and notices one of the deer he liked to feed wandering around, or when someone brings up the infamous “CDR, or even if the Dallas Cowboys or Texas Rangers manage to win a game.

He’s going to be remembered a hundred times a day because he wasn’t just in our lives, he made sure that he was one of the best parts of our lives and remembering him at his happiest is what he would have wanted. It’ll make you smile, and everyone knows how much he loved making people happy.

Perry Lee Simmons passed away December 4th, 2024. He was preceded by his father Raymond Perry Simmons and his Mother Barbara Dan Simmons.

The three of them are probably working on their golf game so they can teach everyone a thing or two once their time comes, or maybe Perry’s found a new Lake in Heaven to explore until we all meet again. But no matter how he’s chosen to bide his time until then… Perry is having a good time and telling any angels he meets about how he’s still a Lineman.