Willie Lee "Buddy" Simmons, Sr., 82, of Pomona Park, entered the sunset of life on Friday, November 9th at Putnam Community Medical Center following an extended illness. Buddy was a native of Rebecca, Georgia (Turner County), born Tuesday, July 1, 1930 to Reverend Jack & Martha Eva (Luster) Simmons, Sr. In 1945, the Simmons family relocated to South Putnam County (Satsuma/Pomona Park area). On February 21, 1948, Buddy was united in Holy Matrimony to Mamie Lou Barlow in Folkston, GA. He was a faithful member of New Mt. Tamo Missionary Baptist Church, serving on the Deacon's ministry. At an early age, he was employed as a rail master with Seaboard Coast Line Railroad and following 20 years of employment, he subsequently retired to commence a family-owned business. In the early 70's, "Buddy" became an entrepreneur, to include farm labor contractor traveling the east coast, owner/operator of the Blue Diamond "The Blue Room" in the North 11th Street business district. He also sponsored the "Simmons A's" and the "Hunterettes" city league softball teams in Palatka. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in eternal rest by 4 brothers: Jack, Jr., Willie Charles, Milton, and J.C. Simmons; 2 sisters: Christine Simmons Turner and Eva Mae Simmons Davis. To Cherish His Memories, Devoted Wife of 64 years, Mamie Simmons; sons and daughters, Johnnie "Zeke" (Queen E.) Simmons, Sr.; Linda Simmons; Willie "Luke" (Kathryn) Simmons, Jr.; Roegina Simmons, Vernesia Simmons, all of Pomona Park, Christopher Simmons, Jacksonville; Leon (Marie) Hill, Palatka; Vivian (Herman) McIntyre, Indian Trail, NC; Felicity (Mark) Herring, Middleburg; Tyrone Simmons, Jacksonville; Theressa Simmons, Palatka; Terrance (April) Simmons, Riverview, FL; Bryan Simmons, Palatka; Marlena (Donald) Rains, Melinda (Dwight) Harvey, Jeremiah Simmons, all of Titusville; "like-a-daughter" Catherine Merritt, Pomona Park; "like-a-son", Robert (Ann) Williams, Palatka; Sister-in-law, Diane C. Simmons, Webster, FL; 42 Grandchildren and a host of great children, nieces, nephews, and caring friends including caregivers, Bobby J. Nelson, Pomona Park and Margaret McRae, Palatka. Visitation of family and friends will be 6-8 p.m. Friday, November 16 at New Mt. Tamo Missionary Baptist Church, 33 Railroad Ave., Pomona Park. Additional visitation will be from 9 am -1 pm Saturday, November 17 at the "Chapel of Serenity." Homegoing Celebration will be 3 p.m. Saturday, November 17th, at First Baptist Church of Pomona Park, 112 Holly Ave, Pomona Park, Rev. Gary J. Munson, Pastor. Rev. Theodore McRae, pastor of New Mt. Tamo Missionary Baptist Church, is the eulogist. Interment will be in Mt. Tamo Cemetery, Pomona Park. The cortege will assemble 2:30 p.m. Saturday at the Simmons' residence, 116 Greenville Road, Pomona Park.