Obituary: Charlie Thomas Simmons

Thomas Simmons
Thomas Simmons

A memorial service for Charlie Thomas Simmons, 89, Athens is scheduled for 11 a.m. Saturday at First United Methodist Church with Dr. Faulk Landrum officiating.

Burial will precede the service at 10 a.m. in Oaklawn Memorial Park under the direction of Carroll-Lehr Funeral Home.

Thomas died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2013 in Athens.

He was born March 11, 1923 in Willow Springs Community to Charlie Thomas and Billie Tempie Welch Simmons and was a lifelong resident of Athens. Thomas had been controller of Texas Clay Products 14 years during which time the company sold the brick to build North Park Mall. He then retired after a 20-year tenure as County Auditor. He had a lifelong love for cattle and had been a lifelong contributor and supporter of the Willow Springs Community and cemetery. Thomas was an active member of First United Methodist Church and Builders Sunday School class. He served his community in many capacities for many years. He was very active in reconstruction of Athens Country Club in 1986.He was a lifelong fan and supporter of TVCC basketball and football programs.

Thomas was preceded in death by his wife of 63.5 years, Marcelle Simmons; son William David Simmons; and a brother John K. Simmons.

Survivors include son Gary Simmons and wife Pam; daughter-in-law Deborah Simmons; granddaughter Sheradon Waits and husband Seth, Sarah Simmons, all of Dallas, numerous nieces and nephews.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lester Kinabrew, David Finch, Billy Norwood, Judge Jack Holland, Charles McMurry, Nick Nichols and John Simmons.

Visitation for family and friends will be 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 225 Lovers Lane, Athens, Texas 75751 or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 9400 North Central Expressway, Dallas, Texas 75231.

You may leave a message of condolence or light a memorial candle for the family at www.carroll-lehr.com.