Alfred Gene Simmons, Jr.

Alfred Gene Simmons, Jr., 68, of Columbus, Ga, was called to be with the Lord on Sunday, January 9, 2022, surrounded by his beloved wife in their home.

A memorial service will be held 4:00 PM Friday, January 14, 2022, at North Highland Church according to McMullen Funeral Home and Crematory, 3874 Gentian Blvd. Columbus, GA 31907.

Gene was born June 18, 1953, in Columbus, Ga, the oldest child of four, to late Alfred Gene Simmons, Sr. and Gladys Smith. He graduated from Jordan High School in 1971 and year later he began his four decades long career at Blue Cross. He also created many friendships while playing on various softball and travel ball teams. Gene had a big heart and never met a stranger, whether it be human or animal form. He spent his Saturdays in the fall watching his Alabama Crimson Tide and yelling “Roll Tide” at the TV, despite his wife’s love of the Georgia Bulldogs.

He is preceded in death by his father, Alfred Gene Simmons Sr, his mother, Gladys Smith, his sister, Dottie Simmons, and granddaughter, Summer Rose McMilleon

Survivors include his wife of 15 years, Deborah McQuinn Simmons; daughters, Brandy Krutz (Eddie) of Niceville, Florida, Desiree’ Wright (Kasey) of Savannah, Georgia, Beth Kennedy, and Ariel Simmons of Columbus, Georgia; and grandchildren Max and Alex Wright, Skye and Kali Smith, and Logan Krutz. He is also survived by two brothers, Butch Simmons of Columbus, Georgia, and David Simmons (Betsy) of Panama City, Florida; and a host of extended family and friends.