Donald Ray Simmons

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland announces the death of retired United States Navy Veteran C.P.O., Donald Ray Simmons. Mr. Simmons went to his heavenly home on January 16, 2012, after a short period of declining health.

Donald Simmons was born on January 27, 1937, in Greensboro, NC, to the late Ira and Irene Simmons. He is predeceased by his oldest sister, Rixene Causby. He is survived by his beloved wife, Julia Ann Simmons, of Cleveland, GA, and one sister and brother-in-law, Libby and Charlie Cook, of Greensboro, NC. He has three children, daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Greg Hoosline, Cleveland, GA., two sons and daughter-in-laws, Andy and Sissy Simmons, Cleveland, GA, and Wayne and Denise Simmons, of Murrayville,GA. His seven grandchildren, April and Ryan Pelphrey, Justin and Amanda Ellington, Abby and Gary Hoosline, and Amber Ellington, all of Cleveland, GA. Brandon and Christen Simmons, of Gainesville, GA, Amanda and Caleb Adams, of Murrayville, GA, and Alexa and Bart Simmons, of Dawsonville, GA. His nine precious little great-grandchildren also survive him. Morgan, Ansley,Mason, Christian, Hayden, Jax, Conner, Maddox and Andrew-Blake. Others include many cousins, nieces and nephews who survived this amazing man.

Don proudly served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 until his retirement in 1976. During his time of service, he worked up to Chief Petty Officer. He served in WWII, the Korean War, the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the Republic of South Vietnam War. Mr. Simmons was on the the first nuclear submarine ever to go beneath the Antartic. Upon his retirement from the United States Navy, Don went into business for himself, opening steakhouses, Western Steer and Western Sizzlin, on the East Coast. He later opened the Reservation Family Steakhouses in Dahlonega, Dawsonville, and Cleveland, before permanently retiring in 1993.

This man, Donald Ray Simmons, was "The Rock" of his precious family and all that knew him said that he was the sweetest man that anyone could ever know.


Visitation will be Friday evening, January 18th, 2013, from 6pm-8pm. Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 pm, Saturday, January 19, 2013 from the funeral home chapel with Rev. Chris Shurtz officiating.

Flowers will be acknowledged or memorial donations may be made to Hospice at Northeast Georgia Medical Center, 2150 Limestone Pkwy, Suite 222, Gainesville, Georgia 30501 or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O.Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.

Condolences may be sent to the family of Mr. Simmons by visiting www.alexander-funeral.com

Alexander Funeral Home of Cleveland (706)865-1500 in charge of arrangements