Ray "Dode" Simmons

Mr. Ray “Dode” Simmons, 84, of Gadsden went home to be with the Lord Friday, August 3, 2018. Funeral Services will be at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, August 5, 2018 at Collier-Butler Funeral Chapel with burial to follow at Forrest Cemetery. Rev. Joe Robison, Rev. Harold Daugherty and Rev. Shane Bearden will officiate.

Collier-Butler Funeral and Cremation Services will direct.

Mr. Simmons was a longtime member of the New Life Church of God and loved to sing gospel music. He retired from the City of Gadsden after 47 years of service. Mr. Simmons enjoyed baseball; Alabama Football; hunting and fishing.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Simmons; brothers, George “Tick” Simmons; Charles “Hop” Simmons and Sammy Simmons; sister, Ruth “Sissy” Butler.

Survivors include his children, Dennis Simmons and wife Teresa, Timothy Simmons and wife Jessica; grandchildren, Misty Bearden and husband Shane; Jeremy Simmons and wife Raven; Caleb Simmons and wife Chelsea; several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Special nephew, George Simmons.

Pallbearers will be George Simmons; Jeremy Simmons; Ricky Autwell; Kenneth Clark; Chris Simmons and Jeff Simmons.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Rev. Harold Daugherty Missionary Fund.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the ICU at Riverview Regional Medical Center.

Visitation will be Sunday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until the hour of service at 3:00 p.m.