Nicky P Simmons

Nicky Paul Simmons, 65, was born on February 26, 1953 to the late Quinton and Hattie Simmons in Ripley, MS. He departed this life on May 21, 2018 at Tippah County Hospital in Ripley, MS.

He was the youngest and favorite of his ten siblings: Herman, Clarence, Quinton Jr., Louise, Charles, Betty, Mary, Johnny, Annie Ruth, and Sarah Inez. Nicky lived the greater portion of his life with his parents until their death in 1986. After that time, his brother Clarence and sister Annie Ruth became his co-guardians.

Nicky confessed Christ at an early age by joining Adkins Chapel United Methodist Church in Blue Mountain, MS where he attended on a regular basis with his parents. Later, under his new guardianship, he attended St. Paul United Methodist Church and Ball Hill Missionary Baptist Church respectively, but retained his membership with Adkins Chapel.

Nicky attended public schools until the 1970’s. Several years later, he enrolled in Timber Hills and Tippah Industries, schools for individuals with disabilities. He was a client at two institutions for over 40 years. While attending Timber Hills, one of his special friends, Jim Miller, assisted him in gaining employment with Jitney Jungle which later became known as Food Giant. He worked there for over 14 years.

Nicky was an outgoing, energetic, competitive young man with an extremely positive attitude. Even though he was born with Down Syndrome, he felt that there was no task too difficult for him to accomplish. Nicky was loved by everyone who knew him, and he will be remembered for his kind heart, warm spirit, and jokingly ways.

He leaves to cherish his memories:  one brother, Johnny Ray (Zora) Simmons of Blue Mountain, MS; four sisters: Louise (Andrew) Bolling of Montgomery, AL, Betty Ann Griffin and Mary (Wade) Woodford of Indianapolis, IN, and Annie Ruth (John) Gibbs of Tiplersville, MS; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Quinton and Hattie Simmons; four brothers: Hermon, Clarence, Quinton Jr., and Charles Simmons; and one sister, Inez Simmons Jackson.

Visitation will be held Friday, May 25, 2018 from 12 noon – 6 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home in Ripley, MS.  Service will be held Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 3 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Ripley, MS. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service.  Interment will follow at Ripley Cemetery in Ripley, MS.  Services entrusted to Foster and Son Funeral Home of Ripley, MS. To view and sign the guest registry, please visit www.fosterandsonfuneralhome.com.

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