Tifton, GA — The Tifton community is mourning the loss of David Nelson Simmons, 57, who passed away peacefully at his residence on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. A graveside service honoring his life will be held Friday, October 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Lawrence Cemetery, with Reverend Rickey Wells officiating. Friends and loved ones will gather to remember David at a visitation on Thursday evening, October 23, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Chapel of Bowen-Donaldson Home for Funerals.
Pallbearers Mark Babcock, Thomas Boyd, Chris Boyd, Ryan Barfield, Dwayne Benefield, and Patrick Roberts will carry David to his final resting place, surrounded by those who knew and loved him best.
Born October 25, 1967, in Plant City, Florida, David was the son of the late Wallace Nelson Simmons and Mary Ann Wood Goff. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Rhonda Goff. David spent much of his life working in pipeline construction with T.B. Landmark in Jacksonville, Florida, where his dedication and strong work ethic earned him the respect of many. A man of faith, David was a member of the Baptist church.
To those closest to him, David was more than his profession. He was a husband, a father, a grandfather, and a friend. He found his greatest joy outdoors—hunting, fishing, and camping under Georgia skies. His love for nature was only rivaled by the love he had for his family.
David leaves behind his devoted wife, Rhonda Winona Jackson Simmons, of the West Berrien Community, and a blended family that was the center of his world. He is survived by his sons and daughters-in-law: Steven Jackson, Lance and Kayla Jackson, and Michael and Caitlyn McFarland, all of Tifton; daughters and sons-in-law: Maricia and Johnny Thomas of Homerville, Rosa and Steven Kowatch of Alachua, Florida, and Shameka Johns of North Carolina.
Also left to cherish his memory are his brothers, Jerry Simmons of Old Town, Florida, and Travis and Jessica Goff of Callahan, Florida; sister, Cindy Burleigh of Callahan, Florida; sixteen grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
His legacy will live on in the stories shared by family, the laughter of grandchildren, and the quiet peace of the woods he loved so much. In a world that often moves too fast, David Simmons will be remembered for the steady presence he brought to the lives of those he touched.
The community joins his family in mourning this profound loss, honoring a man whose life was grounded in love, faith, and the simple joys of being with those he held dear.