Ronnie J. Simmons, 71, of Magnolia went to be with his Heavenly Father on Thursday, August 11, 2016, at his residence. Ronnie was born May 21, 1945, in McComb, MS to Curtis J. and Helen A. Simmons. He was a loving husband to his wife of 24 years Melinda Brumfield Simmons, father of two daughters, Dunree Simmons Shores and her husband Greg Shores and Traci Simmons Bilbo. He has one brother, Tommy Simmons and his wife, Diane. He is also survived by the mother of his children, Patricia Simmons. He is the grandfather of Simmons Garner, Laeken Shores, Nicholas Day, Jacob Bilbo, Emma Claire Shores, and his little buddy Elijah Shores; his mother-in-law Louise Brumfield, four brothers-in-law and three sisters-in-law, Michael and Anne Brumfield, Mark and Dawn Brumfield, Milton Brumfield, Marlene Wicker, and Kenny Wicker. He was also a wonderful uncle to many nieces and nephews, Tom and Veronica Simmons and their children Channing and Mason, Ginger and Wendell Simmons and their children Jeff (Meagan) and Chelsea, nieces and nephews on Melinda's side are Stacey Brumfield (Chester) Materne, Erin Brumfield, Tiffany Wicker (Stephen) Alexander and Bentley, Ken and Josh Wicker, and Baleigh and Brookleigh Brumfield. He was a 1963 graduate of Magnolia High School, 1965 graduate of Southwest MS Community College, and a 1967 graduate of Delta State University. He worked as District Scout Executive in Franklin, LA, and Executive Director with Boy Scouts in Little Rock, AR. He served as band director at Tylertown and South Pike in the late 70s and early 80s. His lasting impression on hundreds of band members will forever be remembered with a heartfelt smile. Mr. Ronnie was loved and admired by way too many to be named. After serving as band director, he was employed with IFS Sales until the early 90s. He then worked in food sales with PFS, Quality Foods, and retired with Sysco Foods in 2008. His infectious personality would light up a room no matter what kind of day you were having. Positive attitude was a way of life for him. He never complained about his illnesses. He was a long time bass singer with the popular gospel quartet "Jubilation". His love for music was evident for those who were lucky enough to see him sing in the choir or perform a special. He was a long time deacon at FBC Magnolia, and his greatest joy in life was serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He dearly loved his family, his church family, and his host of many friends. There is no doubt that he heard these words when he entered heaven on Thursday, "Well done my good and faithful servant". Visitation is 2 p.m. Sunday, followed by a celebration of his life here on earth, as well as that of his eternal life with his Father God in Heaven, beginning at 5 p.m. at his longtime church home, First Baptist Church of Magnolia under the direction of Sharkey Funeral Home in Summit. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to FBC Magnolia, 126 S. Clark Avenue, Magnolia, MS 39652. Share condolences at catchingsfuneralhome.com