Johnny Joe Simmons

Johnny Simmons, 76, of Hallsville, Texas, passed away on November 27, 2024. He was born in Dallas, Texas, on September 23, 1948, and grew up in Grand Prairie, Texas, where he graduated from Grand Prairie High School in 1967. Johnny excelled in baseball, basketball, and football, earning a two-sport scholarship to Southern Methodist University, where he graduated in 1971.

Life changed forever in 1971 after a blind date with Camilla Gukich of Lake Wales, Florida. They married on August 1, 1973, embarking on a journey that spanned 51 wonderful years. They built their life together with homes in Arlington, Texas, Memphis, Tennessee, Edmond, Oklahoma, and finally Longview, Texas, where Johnny took a position with Maxwell Distributing in 1981.

Together, Johnny and Camilla welcomed two children, Ryon and Lauren, and created a family filled with love, devotion, and beautiful memories. A family man above all, Johnny's unwavering dedication to his loved ones was a cornerstone of his life. He did anything and everything to ensure his children and grandchildren had every opportunity to succeed in school, sports, and life, always offering his time, love and support. His passion for sports was second only to his family-Johnny was a committed fan, never missing a baseball game Ryon played, and in more recent years, the baseball and football games his grandsons were playing. Johnny was also a semi-professional baseball umpire, a role he began as a teenager, calling games for youth leagues in Grand Prairie. Later, as a member of the Texas Association of Sports Officials, he umpired high school, college, and American Legion baseball for many years, always bringing professionalism and enthusiasm to the field.

Johnny is preceded in death by his beloved son Ryon Simmons; his parents, BJ and Nelda Simmons; Camilla's parents, Melvin and Katy Gukich. He was also met at Heaven's gates by his brother Kevin Simmons; and his nephews Brandon Simmons and Michael Gukich.

Surviving Johnny is his loving wife Camilla; his devoted daughter Lauren and her husband Rodney Burns; his cherished grandsons, Tate and Beau; and his brothers Jerry Simmons (Aurora, Colorado), Vance Simmons and wife Kim (Austin, Texas), Robert Simmons and wife Lou (Garden City, Texas), Sister-in Law Marian Gukich, (Hallsville, Texas), Brothers-in-Law Mike Gukich and wife Mary (Aurora, Colorado) Robert Gukich and wife Doris (Lake Wales, Florida), along with his many nieces and nephews.

Johnny was deeply loved and respected by those who knew him. He touched countless lives with his goodness and will be missed by more people than many of us will ever know. His absence will be profoundly felt by family, friends, and the communities he was part of.

If he touched your life, we invite you to join us for a time of visitation from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. on December 5, 2024, in the Garden Court of Welch Funeral Home, 4619 Judson Road, Longview, Texas. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. on December 6, 2024, at The Church at Lake Cherokee, 11968 FM 2011 East, Henderson, Texas.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who offered prayers and support during Johnny's battle with cancer. Johnny's family has requested that in lieu of flowers, a donation is most welcome to either The Church at Lake Cherokee or the Hallsville Baseball Association PO Box 13, Hallsville, Texas 75760.

In his memory, may we all strive to follow his example: to love deeply, give generously, and always offer a helping hand.

May God bless you all.