Msgt. Fred

Earl Simmons

Fred Earl Simmons' journey in this life began on Jan. 16, 1945, in Charleston, Miss. He was born to the union of the late Tommie Lee Simmons Sr. and Emma Lee Simmons and ended when he received the Perfect Peace of God on Aug. 16, 2022, at his home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Fred joined the United States Air Force after graduating from Allen Carver High School in 1963. Fred's various military assignments led him to Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, assigned to the Civil Engineer Squadron. Fred retired from the Air Force with the rank of Master Sergeant after over 20 years of service. In 1983, he met and married LaForest Clark. They were married for over 35 years, until she passed away in 2018. Fred was also employed and retired as an employee of the Anchorage School District in the Maintenance Department.

Fred accepted Christ as his savior at an early age at St. John Missionary Baptist Church in Charleston. He continued his walk with God as a faithful member of Leake Temple AME Zion Church.

Fred was the ninth of 10 children. Five brothers preceded him in death: Tommie, John, George, Otis and Tyrone. Two sisters also preceded him in death: Myrtle Lester and Loretta Braithwaite.

Fred leaves to cherish his precious memory his son, Fredrick Earl (Juanita) Simmons of Charleston; one grandson, Fredrick J. Simmons of Oxford, Miss.; three granddaughters, Tachena Holman of Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Lacrecia (Nico) Turner of Jacksonville, Fla., and Chylaneshia Simmons of Chicago, Ill.; four great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one brother, James "JT" (Carrie) Simmons of Calumet, Ill.; one sister, Lora Mae Johnson of Charleston; nieces and nephews across the country; and close friend, Jerome Hines of Anchorage. Fred's warm smile, laughter and friendly manner will be missed by friends and former co-workers locally and across the country.