"Joe Simmons was my boss during his service as Assistant State Attorney back in 1968. I served as his paralegal, legal assistant, and served as the URESA officer for Marion County. He was wonderful, kind, funny, and a brilliant attorney. (He loved to play jai alai!) I was quite young but he was patient with me - except for the day in my haste to get all the Information packets prepared for court and failed to fasten all the documents into the folder. In a dramatic gesture during trial, Joe grabbed the folder and threw his arm in a semicircular motion. All the contents of the folder flew across the floor. Joe and I met, nose to nose, on our knees scurrying to gather the files. I shall never forget the look of rage on his face! But, true to form, by the time we were back in the office, he had found the humor in the situation. Believe me, I NEVER forgot to fasten the documents down securely again. Joe Simmons had the ability to balance his prosecutorial responsibilities with his innate sense of humanity and caring nature. He is dearly missed. Melinda (Bradshaw) Cohenour"
In loving memory of
Young Joseph Simmons Jr.
April 10, 1930 - November 11, 2020
Young Joseph Simmons, Jr. died November 11, 2020 at Estelle's House. Joe was born in Daytona Beach on April 10, 1930. He graduated from Seabreeze High School in 1947 and spent a year at North Georgia College. He then joined the Army and served during the Korean Conflict. He married the love of his life, Sara Williamson, on June 7, 1952. They had 55 wonderful years together. Joe graduated from the University of Florida College of Law in January 1957 and joined the firm of Green and Bryant. His career spanned over 60 years. He was well respected and admired by his colleagues. Joe was a Christian and a member of First Presbyterian Church of Ocala where he served in many capacities, most recently as a Deacon. He had a big smile with deep dimples and gave the best hugs! He was known as Uncle Joe or Daddy Joe to many of his friends' children and his children's friends. Joe was a Gator fan and enjoyed watching sports of all kinds. He was a voracious reader, a great conversationalist, very social, and never met a dog he didn't like! He was preceded in death by his wife, Sara in 2008, and his twin daughters Nancy Harber Simmons in 1957, and Susan Frederick Simmons in 2018. He is survived by his son, Young Joseph Simmons III, Ocala; daughters, Julie Simmons Weiss, Ocala, and Shirley Anne Simmons, Nashville, TN; and grandsons, Philip Weiss of Brooklyn, NY, Daniel Weiss, Ocala, and Young Joseph Simmons IV, Ocala. Joe loved to tell stories of his early days, had an amazing recall, and spent time writing his memories which we treasure. He loved his friends and family deeply and became quite sentimental in his later years, often tearing up at a touching story. He drove himself to Daytona Beach on October 13, spent the night at a hotel on the beach, and saw the Atlantic one final time. He will be missed forever, but we were blessed to have him with us for so long. We are comforted knowing we will see him again. A celebration of a life well lived will be held at a later date. Joe had a kind spirit and a generous heart; therefore he would wish in lieu of flowers, gifts are sent to The Scleroderma Foundation, Juvenile Diabetes Foundation, Hospice of Marion County, United Way of Marion County, or the charity of your choice in his honor and memory.
Tributes
"Joe Simmons was my boss during his service as Assistant State in back in 1968. I served as his paralegal, legal assistant, and served as the URESA officer for Marion County. He was wonderful, kind, funny, and a brilliant attorney. (He loved to play jai alai!) I was quite young but he was patient with me - except for the day in my haste to get all the Information packets prepared for court and failed to fasten all the documents into the folder. In a dramatic gesture during trial, Joe grabbed the folder and threw his arm in a semicircular motion. All the contents of the folder flew across the floor. Joe and I met, nose to nose, on our knees scurrying to gather the files. I shall never forget the look of rage on his face! But, true to form, by the time we were back in the office, he had found the humor in the situation. Believe me, I NEVER forgot to fasten the documents down securely again. Joe Simmons had the ability to balance his prosecutorial responsibilities with his innate sense of humanity and caring nature. He is dearly missed. Melinda (Bradshaw) Cohenour"
"Bob and I are just now seeing this. Our heartfelt condolences go out to Joe?s family. We really enjoyed getting to know Joe at mutual friend?s Friday night dinners from several years ago. He was such a gentleman and was always so interesting to talk to. I especially enjoyed reading about his earlier life adventures on Facebook. Gif bless and Rest In Peace Ann and Bob Stermer"