Ralph E Simmons

Ralph was born on August 28, 1963 in Ripley, Mississippi to the late Clarence and Flora Bell Simmons.  He accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and joined St. Paul United Methodist Church in Ripley.  He remained a member throughout his life.

He attended Ripley High School where he participated in various sports and activities.  During his high school years, he discovered his love of dance and music.  He was a charter member of the “pop-locking” group, The Jam-a-lots.  The Jam-a-lots entertained locally and traveled to various venues to perform.  Ralph also began “spinning and scratching” records, becoming known as DJ Hitman.  Ralph attended Northeast MS Junior college and  began his career at Blue Mountain Production.  Later, he was employed as a 911 Dispatcher for the Tippah County Sheriff’s Office.  Ralph was recognized by the State of MS, winning the top dispatcher in the state award.  He continued in the 911 Dispatcher position until his health failed. 

Ralph loved his family and friends, and always had a way of making everyone smile and laugh.  He departed this world on March 18, 2019 at North Mississippi Medical Hospice Center. He leaves to cherish his memories:  the love of his life, Jennifer Johnson; two adopted sisters, Pam Story of Los Angeles, CA and Dianne Simmons of Memphis, TN; one adopted brother, Charles (Lori) Storey of Ripley, MS; one uncle, Johnny Ray (Zora) Simmons of Blue Mountain, MS; four aunts, Louise (Andrew) Bolling of Montgomery, AL; Betty Ann Griffin and Mary (Wade) Woodford of Indianapolis, IN; and Annie Ruth (John) Gibbs of Tiplersville, MS; five special nieces/nephews, Vanessa Rene Williams of Ripley, MS, India Rene Williams of Ripley, MS, DeAngelo Dante Simmons of Memphis, TN, Rashad (Wendy) Conner of Ripley, MS and Courtney (Latonya) Clemmer of Alabama, and a host of cousins and friends.  Ralph’s memories will always be a warm candle of love, hope, and peace in the hearts of his loved ones.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 22, 2019 from 12:00 noon to 8:00 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home in Ripley, MS, with the family present from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Service will be held Saturday, March 23, 2019 at 11:00 am at Ripley Second Baptist Church in Ripley, MS. Interment will follow at Ripley Cemetery in Ripley, MS. To view and sign the guest registry, please visit www.fosterandsonfuneralhome.com.

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