Ernest Phillip Simmons Sr.

Ernest Phillip Simmons Sr. 73, of Bluffton, SC passed away on Monday, March 21, 2011 at his home.He was born in Bluffton, SC on March 7, 1938. He was the son of Gladys Cooler Simmons and the late Jesse R. Simmons.He was a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He was a retired Electrical Engineer for Georgia Pacific Company. He was a member and served as Chairman of the Deacon Board for Maye River Baptist Church.He is survived by his wife, Renee Hadwin Simmons of Bluffton; his mother, Gladys Cooler Simmons of Bluffton; his four children, Ernest Phillip Simmons Jr., Patricia (Randy) Bonner, Janet (Jerry) Kerby all of Bluffton, and Janice (Ron) Williams of Hardeeville; two sisters, Carolyn (Al) Hudson of Jacksonville, FL and Jean (Harry) Tanner of Bluffton; six grandchildren, Jill Bonner Beach and Jenna Bonner Barker; Amy and Kimberly Kerby all of Bluffton; Justin and Marshall Williams of Hardeeville; four great grandchildren, Stephen and Annabelle Barker and Violet and Gracie Beach all of Bluffton; stepson, Charles Dwight Brewer III and stepdaughter, Natasha M. Brewer both of Bluffton.He was predeceased by his first wife, Violet Woodward Simmons; and a brother, Thomas M. Simmons Sr.Funeral Services will be held at Noon on Wednesday, March 23, 2011 in the Maye River Baptist Church, Bluffton, SC with burial in the church cemetery. The family requests memorial gifts be made to the Maye River Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 814, Bluffton, SC 29910.