Richard Howard Simmons

Richard Howard Simmons “Hoppy” 82 passed away peacefully on September 12, 2021 at Bridgeview Nursing Center, Ormond Beach FL. Hoppy was born in Halifax Hospital to the late Howard and Elizabeth Simmons on August 13, 1939. He graduated from Mainland High School in 1957. Right after high school Hoppy began working for Bellsouth as a telephone repairman until his retirement in 1989. Throughout his years, he enjoyed raising and racing quarter horses, farming hogs and woodworking. Hoppy married Patsy in 1961 and they had two sons, Rick and Randy. The family decided to move from Daytona Beach to Bunnell in 1971 where they built a homestead. On any given afternoon, you could find Hoppy sitting in his barn watching over his hogs, tending to his garden or catching and frying some catfish. He was preceded death by his parents, Howard and Elizabeth Simmons and two sisters, Billie Jean Kennedy and Babe Sharpton. A sister, Muffet Murrell (Larry) of Jupiter FL, two sons, Rick Simmons (Kris) and Randy Simmons (Bobbie) both of Bunnell, five grandchildren and four great grandchildren, survives him. A celebration of life for Hoppy will be held on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 4:00 PM at the home of Rick and Kris Simmons, 621 E. State Road 100, San Mateo FL. We welcome you all to bring your fondest memories of Hoppy while enjoying food that will be provided. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association. Arrangements are in the care and trust of Craig-Flagler Palms Funeral Home