John David Simmons, III

John David Simmons III was born on October 21, 1961, in Walterboro South Carolina, to the late John David Simmons Jr. and the late Clara Mae Black Simmons. 

On Tuesday, September 2, 2025, after bravely battling a long road of cancer, John heard the voice of our Heavenly Father that said, 

"You've fought a good fight, you've kept the faith; you have now finished your race, so I call you now to take your heavenly place.”

John attended public schools in Colleton County and later graduated from Job Corps, where he received his certification as a Certified Chef.

As a devoted family man, father and friend, John was a beacon of love, he cherished every moment with his loved ones and shared words of encouragement wherever he went.

John's passions were contagious. His love for cooking, carpentry, playing the guitar, beating the drums, and singing in groups brought joy to those around him.

He had a gift – the ability to walk into a room and brighten everyone's day. 

He had a talent -the way he sowed his seed of love into every masterpiece dish that was prepared to feed our soul. 

With his presence, we felt his love; from his love, we felt his strength; from his strength, we became inspired, and from his inspiration, he became our blessing. 

John presence was gentle and his spirit was rare; he had a heart like no others, his soul spoke to everyone, no matter where he was – whether at Pioneer Boat, traveling throughout his hometown, or traveling up and down the interstate, he was never a stranger.

As we gather here today to say our last goodbye, we stand proud of you, John; your work is done. 

You healed the broken hearts, fed those hungry souls, strengthened those who were weak, and encouraged those who were lost.

So rest now, there's no more pain, no more worries; you are now forever free. 

We may weep because we hate to see you go, but God loved you more, so we're okay knowing it was your time to go.

John leaves behind a legacy of love. He is survived by his family and the countless lives he touched.

Preceding him in death are one brother, Alphonso Simmons, and one sister, Mary Ann Smalls, along with two daughters, Sabrina and Angelica Simmons.

He leaves to cherish his memories: four sons – John D. Simmons IV of Florida, Kendrin Nixon, Trevant (Abria) Nixon, and Desmond Nixon of South Carolina; one daughter – Nikeya Brunson of South Carolina; four sisters – Shirley (James) Green, Mary L. Simmons, LaVern Brown, and Annasa Simmons, all of South Carolina; one brother – Willie (Emma) Simmons of South Carolina; five stepsisters – Barbara Jenkins, Nicole Jenkins, Lakeshia Jenkins, Lanesha Jenkins, and Lattoy Jenkins all of South Carolina; two stepbrothers – Joseph Jenkins and Clifford Jenkins, of South Carolina; one uncle – Matthew (Mildred) Simmons of South Carolina; two aunts –  Dorothy Simmons of South Carolina and Jessie Brown of New York; 17 grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, friends and cousins that he loved unconditionally.

Special friends: Mike Holmes & family, Javier Escobar & family, Jennifer Rahn & family, Ken Steedley & family, Johnny Martin & family, Reuben Boatwright & family, Derek Oliver & family, Curtis Fields & family, Franklin Williams III & family, The Pioneer Boat family and among others.

A very special thanks to his caregivers: Latosia Simmons, Mary L. Simmons, and Hilary Simmons

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