Mr. Rudolph (Rudy) Simmons, son of the late Charlie and Mary Ree Simmons, was born on December 18, 1951 in Harleyville, SC. Rudy lived a full life, experiencing much more than many us could endure. Rudy was definitely a people person. He always tried to keep in touch with everyone and his adoration for his daughters and family was always on his tongue. Rudy was called into eternal rest on Thursday morning, July 10, 2014 at 1:00 a.m. at Memorial Hospital, Jacksonville, FL.

Rudy was a member of Greater St. Paul AME Church. Rudy's family and friends affectionately knew him for his love of music (playing the drums), arts of Karate, and animals. He graduated from Mather Academy in Camden, SC and attended Florida A&M University where he joined the marching 100 Marching Band.

Rudy was preceded in death by his biological mother, Mary E. McClanahan and one brother, Lewis "Frank" McClanahan.

Cherishing his memories, Rudy leaves behind his wife, Debbie Simmons (united in holy matrimony in 1975); his daughters, Kenya J. (James, Jr.)Brown, Monique F. Simmons, Tashy S. Young, Kashayla S. Simmons, and Megan L. Simmons; four grandchildren, Ziah J. Brown, James H. Brown, III, Khloe B. Bracey and Zoe C. Broughton; four sisters, Gertie Simmons, Denise Simmons, Sylvia G. (Charles) Jackson and Anna M. (Eric Felton) McClanahan; four brothers, Deacon Ralph (Clarissa) Jenkins, Michael R. McClanahan, Eugene McClanahan and Jeffrey (Barbara) McClanahan; one sister-in-law, Tammy Lowery; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.