Kenneth Ray Simmons, 76, of Amarillo, passed away on February 25, 2023. Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, from 5-7pm at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors. Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm, Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Griggs-Schooler-Gordon Funeral Directors Pioneer Chapel
Kenneth was born on August 4, 1946 in Elizabeth, Louisiana to Othel Curtis Simmons and Adeline Cross Spruell. He was certified as a welder by the Navy in the Engles shipyards, in Mobile, Alabama in 1965 and mastered his craft as a welder and had a long career at Tasco Fabrication.
Kenneth had a spunky personality and had a zest for being outdoors. He loved to fish and to build things, including the family picnic tables and homemade barbeque grills that shared many memories for years. Kenneth was also very talented in his gardening skills. He had the best garden and he could grow just about anything. As a true native Cajun, Kenneth had a real passion and love for cooking, especially his favorite dish, gumbo. Kenneth was also an avid lover of music and enjoyed the soulful sounds of Tina Turner and Elvis Presley.
Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Jackie Simmons, and Richard Simmons.
Those left to cherish his memory are his long life love, Connie Schwab; Son, Kenneth Ray Simmons Jr., of
Mobile, Alabama; His three daughters, Julia Austin and husband Eric; Stephanie James and husband Kelly; Valarie Stone and husband Lanny; Three very loving and devoted sisters, Carolyn Stiles; Brenda Reed; and Darlene Cardwell and husband Bobby. Kenneth also leaves behind six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, many nieces and nephews. And a special acknowledgement to his long time buddy, friend, and caretaker, Steve Kindred. Kenneth will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
