Up on the Hill 8-22

Eugene Simmons, age 69, passed away at his home in Laurel Hill, Saturday, Aug. 4. He was surrounded by his loving family. He bravely fought a battle with extreme treatments far longer than the doctors thought possible.

A great friend of the Laurel Hill community has left us for his eternal home. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones and his community friends.

He was a man with a big heart and a big laugh. The hospital staff will remember hearing him sing "I'll Fly Away" while he was a recent patient. At his request family members helped him out of bed so he could stand, square his shoulders and sing from his heart! He meant every word of that song.

Eugene loved his family dearly. His beloved wife, the Rev. Shirley Simmons of Laurel Hill; daughter Renee, and two sons, Randall and Brett are proof of his caring by the devotion shown to their parents. He leaves six grandchildren, Jeffrey and Dustin Burlison, Megan, Eric, Enzor and Ryan Simmons; two brothers, Donnie and Jerry Simmons, and a host of nieces and nephews.

The community as a whole remember his hard work as city supervisor, which took him to many problems of citizens, regardless of the day or hour. He was a man that genuinely liked people.

Eugene's Aug. 15th birthday celebrations will now be a time to recall and be thankful for the years he was with us spreading goodwill and cheer along the road of life. Our heartfelt prayers go with the family as they travel this new path without husband, daddy and grandfather.

The family requests that anyone who would like to pay tribute to Eugene should send a donation to Covenant Hospice in Crestview.

Laurel Hill's new Hobo Video store offers movie and game rentals, repairs to your damaged DVD, CD or video games and two tanning beds for customers.

Suggestions are offered to those needing help. Call Crista Shepheard at 652-2065 for more information.

This week I am sampling life in my 80th year and find it totally refreshing! I enjoyed the young waitress at my birthday party saying to me, “Who is the birthday lady?” I happily answered, and she replied, “We kept looking for an old lady! Now, you know her tip was top of the line ... for that line!

In my younger years I remember thinking that 80 was very old. How wrong I was!

Flashback in time: My teacher was Ms. Mayme Tyner and she told her class of girls to wear their white gloves when they went to the city. We stared at her. Yes, I remember wearing white gloves and hats to church in the 50's.

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

- St. John 14: 27