Eddie Simmons, Jr.

Eddie Simmons, Jr., 79, peacefully entered eternal rest on Friday, May 24, 2024, at Baystate Medical Center, following a brief illness. Eddie was born on November 5, 1944, in Valdosta, GA to the late Eddie Simmons, Sr. and Arletha (Ponder) Simmons. In addition to his parents, Eddie was also predeceased by his sister Anna D. Spence. His family moved to Springfield, Massachusetts in 1944. He enlisted in the U.S. Army on April 5, 1962, in the 321st Artillery during the Vietnam Era and was a proud Army Veteran where he had an outstanding career. His accomplishments included serving as a Paratrooper with the 101st Airborne Division in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He did over Two Hundred and Fifty (250) jumps. Upon his Honorable Discharge, he then transferred to the U.S. Army National Guard in Agawam, Massachusetts wherein he earned from the Massachusetts Military Academy the National Guard Non-Commissioned Officer’s Courses and Advance NCOES Course. He earned numerous commendations and was a Sergeant First Class in the U.S. Army. He was a gifted leader and inspired many to pursue a career in the military. After his career in active duty in the military, he started his career in Harrisburg, PA as a short order cook. He brought his family to Springfield, Massachusetts wherein he obtained a position with C.H. Dexter Corporation for 25 years as a Machinist and Supervisor in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. He went to Holyoke Community College and obtained his associate degree in business. He then followed his dreams and went to truck driving school wherein he obtained a position as a driver with Fleming Corporation in Somers, Connecticut for 25 years. Eddie was a proud member of the Buick Club of America and was a proud owner with his wife of a 1972 Buick Riviera and entered it in many car shows across the U.S. where it sported countless blue ribbons. He was a parishioner and devoted a member of St. Catherine of Siena Parish for over fifty years in Springfield, MA.
He will be sadly missed by his beloved wife of 59 years Bessie (Galbreath) Simmons, son Eddie Simmons, III, daughter Peña-Emilia Williams, seven siblings; Shirley Rowoldt, Johnnie Simmons (Jacqueline), Lonnie Simmons, Joshua Simmons (Shirley), Naomi Gooden (Richard), Paul Simmons and Esther Simmons, two cherished grandchildren; Mia J. Simmons-Jones and G. Chandler Williams, Jr., and their beloved dog Kiwi. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends who will cherish his many memories and miss him dearly. Visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1st from 9:45-10:45 AM at St. Catherine of Siena Parish, 1023 Parker St., Springfield. Eddie’s Funeral Mass will follow at 11AM at the Church. His Committal Service with Military Honors will be held on Monday, June 3rd at 10AM at MA Veterans’ Memorial Cemetery, 1390 Main St., Agawam. Memorial contributions may be made to American Kidney Fund, 145 Pinelawn Rd., Unit 320N, Melville, NY 11747 or to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.