Jennings H. Simmons Sr., 81

BISHOPS HEAED - Jennings Hilbert Simmons Sr., 81, died Monday, May 5, 2008 at Dorchester General Hospital in Cambridge.

Born on Nov. 4, 1926 at Fishing Creek, he was the son of the late William and Alberta Creighton Simmons.

Mr. Simmons was a graduate of Hoopers Island High School, Class of 1944.

While serving in the United States Army from 1944 to 1946, he received the Good Conduct Medal, Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon and the World War II Victory Ribbon. Mr. Simmons was honorable discharged in 1946.

On Dec. 24, 1949 he married the former Elaine Pritchett.

He was employed with the State of Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police from 1955-1981. He patrolled the waters from the mouth of the Potomac River to the Honga River during his career retiring with the rank of CPL.

Mr. Simmons was a member of St. Thomas United Methodist Church, Bishops Head.

He was also a member of the American Legion Post 91, the MD Classified Employees Association and the Natural Resources Police Alumni.

Mr. Simmons liked crabbing, coin collecting, traveling and animals. He also enjoyed assisting his wife in her craft business Pig-E.

Surviving is his wife of 58 years, Elaine Pritchett Simmons; two daughters, Susan Windsor of Toddville, Robin Phillips of Bishops Head; two sons, Donald Simmons (Betsy Hughes) of Toddville, Randy Simmons (Vicky) of Cambridge; two grandchildren, Tammy Phillips and Jacob Simmons; three sisters, Pauline Phillips (Henry) of Fishing Creek, Thelma Hooper of Cambridge, Nancy Hayward of Wingate; two brothers, Edwin Simmons (Eva Jane) of Fishing Creek, and Jimmy Simmons (Sandy) of Church Creek.

Preceding him in death were his parents, William and Alberta Creighton Simmons; a son, Jennings H. "Jay" Simmons Jr.; infant daughter, Janice Lynn Simmons; two sisters, Freida Fannin and Dorothy Simmons; three brothers-in-law, Alton Hooper, Armond Hayward and William Fannin.

The family received friends Wednesday evening, at Curran-Bromwell Funeral Home, P.A. Funeral services will be held today at 2 p.m. at the funeral home, where the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Officiating at the service will be the Rev. David L. Kreek. Entombment will follow at the Simmons Mausoleum at Dorchester Memorial Park with Military Honors.

Pallbearers will be Elaine Simmons escorted by Ronnie Brooks, William "Snooks" Windsor, Jim Bryan, William Cox, Donald Mills, Jamie Richardson, David Tippett and Allen Elzey.

Honorary Pallbearers will be member of the Department of Natural Resources Police.

Memorial offerings may be made in Mr. Simmons' memory to St. Thomas United Methodist Church, c/o Phyllis Mills, 1817 Crocheron Road, Bishops Head, MD 21672.

To send letters of condolences, please visit www.curran-bromwell.com