Gene Robert Simms

Gene Robert Simms went to his eternal heavenly home on February 9, 2017 at the age of 86. Gene was born in Parkersburg, Wood County, West Virginia on June 15, 1930 to M.S. and Garnett Jackson Simms.  Gene is preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Carl, Paul and John.   On February 22, 1948 Gene married Nellie - the love of his life and high school sweetheart.   A loving husband, father and grandfather, Gene is survived by his wife of 69 years, Nellie Life Simms; daughters Trudy (Gene) Coon and Deloras (Guy) Phillips; son Kevin (Jayne) Simms; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson.   Gene's passions in life were his faith, his family, and southern gospel music. Gene's life joys included being there to help others, traveling, tractors, trains, and life on the White Mountains.   Gene and Nellie moved to Arizona in 1954 with their daughters and welcomed their son later that year. Gene had many careers including 23 years in law enforcement with Pima County Sheriff's Office, Arizona Game and Fish Department, and Navajo County Sheriff’s Office.  After retirement from law enforcement Gene drove school buses for 20 years for West Fork Lutheran School, Show Low Schools, Renaissance Charter School, and Blue Ridge Schools where the students became one of his greatest enjoyments.    The last 30 years of Gene's life, he and Nellie enjoyed gospel music cruises and traveling to Hominy Valley, NC where they enjoyed making many lifelong friends and becoming part of the Primitive Quartet's Christian family.   Gene's family is eternally grateful for the staff at Solterra Memory Care Unit and Accord Hospice for the loving care and support given to Gene and his family.   Gene's family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Gene's name to the Porter Mountain Fellowship, P.O. Box 1777, Lakeside, AZ 85929.   Viewing will be Thursday, February 16 from 5:00-7:00 pm at Owens Livingston Mortuary in Show Low and at Porter Mountain Fellowship on Friday, February 17 from 10:00-11:00. Services will be held at 11:00 am at Porter Mountain Fellowship, with graveside services immediately following at Lakeside Cemetery on Larson Road.