Funeral service for Mr. Melvin H. Simmons, age 86, of Fayetteville, TN will be conducted Sunday, December 16, 2018 at 2 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home with Rev. Tim Smith officiating. Burial will be beside his wife Katherine Kirkland Simmons in Kelso Cemetery.
Mr. Simmons was born July 2, 1932 to the late Homer Sanders and Eunice Walker Simmons. He was a Veteran of the Army, retired from NASA as a Facilities Engineer, was a past member of the Lions Club, Civitan Club and completed the Leadership Lincoln class. Mr. Simmons was a former Chairman of the Lincoln County election committee. He was a member of the Fayetteville Cumberland Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder.
Survivors include his daughters Sandie (Steve) Twitty of Fayetteville, TN. Kathy (Philip) Tygielski, of Huntsville, AL., 4 grandchildren Jacob (Stacey) Tygielski, Christina, Nicholas and Eric Tygieleski. In addition to his wife, Katherine and his parents, he was preceded in death by numerous siblings.
Visitation with the family will be Sunday December 16, 2018 from 12 p.m. until time of service at 2 p.m. at Higgins Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at PO Box 1000 Dept 142, Memphis, TN 38101-9908 or the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 470, Fayetteville, TN. 37334. Higgins Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family of Mr. Melvin H. Simmons.
15 Comments To "Melvin Simmons"
#1 Comment By Billy & Cindy Langford, Frances Gibson, Vera Stewart On December 15, 2018 @ 3:39 pm
A gentle giant-very talented man like your mother-reunited-praying for God’s comfort
#2 Comment By Peggy Towry On December 15, 2018 @ 5:23 pm
Sandy, Kathy and families, cherish the memories. Thinking of all.
#3 Comment By Lynn Towry Brown On December 15, 2018 @ 8:18 pm
So sorry to hear this Sandy, he will always be remembered as our Santa Clause at Mom’s ,prays sent to you and the family.
#4 Comment By Gary Thompson On December 15, 2018 @ 8:40 pm
Sandie & Steve, Kathy & Phillip, just know that each of you and yours are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Jo Ann and Gary
#5 Comment By Wanda Preston On December 15, 2018 @ 8:45 pm
Sandy and Kathy and all the grandchildren, I know you will miss this gentle man but also know that you have a vast storehouse of sweet memories. Knowing he is again with the love of his life surely must be a comfort to you. Much love to all of you.
#6 Comment By Jerry and Linda Mullins On December 15, 2018 @ 10:28 pm
Sandy and Kathy: We’re so sorry to see that Melvin has passed away and We’re more than sorry to tell you that we will not be able to be there with you on Sunday. We are having our family Christmas this Sunday and due to time limitations for some of them, we just will not be able to even come by. I will always remember him asking if I was still working elections and am thankful that he persuaded me to do that. He was a good friend to Jerry and me as was your Mom. Again, we are so very sorry we can’t be there, but our thoughts and prayers will be with you. Hold your memories close in your heart. Hugs to you and your families.
#7 Comment By Gary Thompson On December 15, 2018 @ 10:36 pm
Sandie & Steve, Kathy & Phillip and the grandchildren. Just know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. We will always have the fond memories of our friendship with Melvin and Katherine in the Craft Work. Love to all. Gary & Jo Ann
#8 Comment By Bill Kay On December 15, 2018 @ 11:47 pm
Sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I enjoyed working with him many years at NASA. He was a good man and did his job well.
#9 Comment By Randy Delap On December 16, 2018 @ 12:54 am
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers. Randy and Andrea Delap
#10 Comment By Ray and Sue Cary Simmons On December 16, 2018 @ 1:01 am
Sandy and Kathy…Rayand I are so sad to hear of Melvin passing. I was always happy to see him when visiting my Mom at Southern Manor. I can imagine the reunion in Heaven with your parents. We love you all and many prayers.
#11 Comment By Nanette & Steve Taylor On December 16, 2018 @ 3:51 am
Sandy, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. Keeping you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.
#12 Comment By bj On December 16, 2018 @ 6:55 pm
My deepest condolences to the families of Melvin.John 3:16.
#13 Comment By Joan B. Massey On December 17, 2018 @ 4:10 am
Sandy and Steve, so sorry to hear of the loss of your dad!! I enjoyed working with him on the Election board for many years . He will be missed. Joan B. Massey
#14 Comment By Dennis and Marie Caldwell On December 18, 2018 @ 1:37 pm
Sandy so sorry to hear of your father passing. He was such a sweet, gentle man. I will forever remember him as Santa at our Rotary Christmas party and will cherish the photo of him with Susan and me. Prayers for you. Marie
#15 Comment By L. Susan Fife Stroup On December 20, 2018 @ 2:49 am
Kathy and Sandy, we are never old enough to lose a parent. Praying that wonderful memories comfort you as you make this journey.