Mr. John Arleen Simmons, 81 of Lake City, passed away on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at the Veteran's Affairs Medical Center in Lake City. Mr. Simmons was born in Parrish, Florida to the late John and Ella Louise Lundy Simmons. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving as a Seargent First Class and had made his home in Lake City since 2008 moving from Parrish, FL. Mr. Simmons was a longtime tomato farmer in Parrish. He enjoyed working with his nephews on cars and swamp buggies, tending to his garden and he was of the Baptist faith. Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Robin Phyllis Britt Simmons in 2014, one daughter, Phyllis Arlynne Chitty in 2007 and one sister, Maydean Beck in 1998.

Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Melody L. and Daniel A. Downey, Lake City; two sisters, Vivian Buice (Sidney) and Eileen Lowry both of Parrish, FL; one uncle, Marvin Simmons, Clinton, SC; six grandchildren, Jacob Simmons (Brittany), Bradenton, Daniel Downey Jr. (Ginny), Fredericksburg, VA, Daniela Moreland, Ft. White, Timothy Downey (Felisha), Ft. White, John Paul Chitty (Jodie), Parrish, FL and Melissa Green, Parrish, FL; nine great grandchildren also survive.

Graveside funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 28, 2015 at the Parrish Cemetery in Parrish, Florida with Rev. Arleen Beck officiating. Interment will follow. Visitation with the family will be from 10-11:00 am, one hour prior to the service at the cemetery on Saturday. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Parrish Cemetery Association at P.O. Box 308, Parrish, FL 34219.