Joseph Harrell Simmons

Joseph Harrell Simmons was born at Walter Reed Hospital in Bethesda, Maryland on August 7, 1951 to Dr. James Clarence Harrell Simmons and Vanita Marguerite Rhodes Jones Simmons.

Joe attended White Station High School in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was a member of the track team. He was a member of Eudora Baptist Church, which was founded by his maternal great, great grandfather, JB Canada. Following high school, Joe moved to Knoxville, TN, where he attended the University of Tennessee. He was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and graduated from the UT School of Business.

He began work for IBM in various locations, during which he created and led the client executive program and was asked to teach at the Harvard School of Business. Following his time with IBM, Joe moved to Highlands, NC, where he met his wife, Becky. Together, they co-owned Cabe Realty, then ultimately retired, working as realtors Highlands Properties.

Joe was former member and president of Mountaintop Rotary Club of Highlands and received the Paul Harris Fellow Award for rotary international. Joe was a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Bellview Baptist Church in Memphis, TN, Rowell Street Baptist Church in Marietta, GA, and a teacher, finance team member, and deacon under Pastor Dan Robinson at First Baptist Highlands and Highlands Central Baptist.

Guided by a deep love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, Joe was an avid outdoorsman with a boundless passion for nature. Whether he was skiing at Pickwick, hiking mountain trails, horseback riding, scuba diving, or playing racquetball, he embraced every adventure. He was also a skilled archer, sharpshooter, and accomplished equestrian who truly thrived in the great outdoors.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Vanita Simmons, as well as his sister-in-law, Cynthia Simmons of Raleigh, NC. He is survived by his wife, Becky Glattli Simmons; son, Wes Simmons (Nancy) of Cataula, GA; daughter, Jordan Gilligan of Milton, GA; brother, Thomas Burke Simmons of Raleigh, NC; and sister, Laura Simmons Martin (Paige) of Memphis, TN. His legacy continues through his three grandchildren, Emmett Walsh Gilligan, Emily Anne Simmons, and Katherine Grace Simmons, along with many beloved nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

The family would like to thank Joe’s caregivers from Four Seasons Hospice, including Andrea Burton and Mary Hamilton, who not only helped him with daily personal needs, but also invested in him above and beyond that of typical hospice staff. Their genuine, loving care for Joe throughout this process, kept him smiling and laughing during a very difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN. Website included below for memorial donation online or by mail: https://www.stjude.org/give/memorials-and-dedications.html?sc_icid=wtg-lz-memorials

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home is honored to serve the Simmons family.