Wayne Douglas Simmons

Philippians 1:20-21 “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage, so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or death. For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”

Wayne Simmons was born February 21, 1947 in McComb, Mississippi to Archie and Helen Simmons. He departed this life on Tuesday, February 9, 2021. He was the oldest of 5 siblings and attended McComb High School, graduating in 1966. After high school he attended Southwest Community College while working for Mapp Oil Company. At the age of 21 he attended the welding and pipefitting school at Exxon Refinery. After his tenure with Exxon he went on to serve for 17 years as a Police Officer for BRPD. While attending the academy he was affectionately known as “Paw Paw”. Wayne’s passion while serving the department was his time spent in the K-9 division.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years Debra Messer Simmons; 2 sons, Michael Simmons and wife Rachel, Chad Simmons and wife Jeanne; sisters, Jerry Nettles (R.E.), Barbara Weber (Ken), Susan Jarrell; brother, Joe Simmons (Sherry); grandchildren, MaKayla Smith, Edwin Smith, Jr., Gage, Gwyndalyn, Cannon, Daisy, Roman and Madelynn Simmons; friends, Lester David and Jimmy Mahan and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by his parents, Archie and Helen Wall Simmons.

Family and friends are invited to attend an intimate gathering on Friday, February 12, 2021 at Central Funeral Home beginning at 3:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Blackwater United Methodist Church, 10000 Blackwater Rd, Baker, LA 70714.