A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF JAMES WILLIE "DICK" SIMMONS AND HIS WIFE, JO ANN LEE SIMMONS, BOTH OF INMAN; TO CELEBRATE THEIR LIVES; AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO THEIR FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Inman residents James Willie "Dick" and Jo Ann Lee Simmons, both of whom went to be with their Lord recently, he on October 26, 2022, at the age of 76 and she on February 13, 2023, at the age of 73. At the time of Dick's death, he and Jo Ann had celebrated forty-two years of marriage; and

Whereas, born in Spartanburg on December 20, 1945, Dick Simmons was a son of the late Edith Mae Hayes Simmons and William Robert Simmons; and

Whereas, this hardworking man of God was a faithful member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Cowpens. He loved his family, especially his grandchildren, and he loved the Lord; and

Whereas, the young Dick was a 1966 graduate of Boiling Springs High School, where he lettered in baseball and football and served in the latter sport as quarterback for the school's 1966 championship team. He retired from Ford Motor Company as an accomplished automotive mechanic after thirty-two years of service, and was an avid hunter in his free time; and

Whereas, born in Spartanburg on July 31, 1949, Jo Ann Lee Simmons was a daughter of the late Troy Lee and Lillie Robinson Lee; and

Whereas, along with her husband, Jo Ann served the Lord as a faithful member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Cowpens. She was the administrator for Summer Place Assisted Living in Boiling Springs for many years, retired as a registered nurse, and was recognized as Nurse of the Year at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center in 1987; and

Whereas, Dick and Jo Ann left a strong example of prayer, Bible reading, care for the needy, and commitment to the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ; and

Whereas, Dick and Jo Ann Simmons leave to cherish their memory a son, Edward W. Simmons (Brandy); three daughters, Lisa Ivester (Rick), Tammie Simmons, and Sandy Blackwell (Kevin); six grandchildren, LeeAnn Magnuson (Josiah), Brittany Simmons, Lillie Blackwell, Elizabeth Simmons, Emily Blackwell, and Brody Simmons; one great-grandchild, JoLee Jael Magnuson; and a host of other relatives and friends. They will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of James Willie "Dick" Simmons and his wife, Jo Ann Simmons, both of Inman; celebrate their lives; and extend the deepest sympathy to their family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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