[D]r. John Wesley Simmons Jr
February 15, 1936 - January 3, 2014
John Wesley Simmons Jr “Wesley," 77, made his transition January 3, 2014. Mr. Simmons was born 02/15/1936 in Fort Worth Texas to Willie Mae Reader Simmons and John Wesley Simmons. Wesley served as Lieutenant in the US Navy, earned his PHD in Biochemistry from
Texas A&M University and enjoyed a distinguished career with the National Cancer Institute.
Wesley enjoyed helping people and incorporated this in all he did. He enjoyed traveling, his thoughtfulness and interest in people made others very comfortable around him and he often helped people he met by encouraging them to realize their dreams. Wesley
would reach out to people, write letters of recommendation and encourage the potentiality that everyone is endowed with. Working with the Office of International Affairs at The National Cancer Institute put him in contact with people from all over the world.
He helped foster many people’s careers, establishing lifelong friendships while helping disseminate the research and knowledge that has helped people all over the world. Wesley nurtured his sensitive soul with poetry and music. He was not one to complain.
With humility, humor, curiosity and concern he lived a life rich with service to others.
Wesley leaves behind his wife, Elzbieta Sikorska-Simmons, four children, Laurie, John, and Daniel from his marriage with Jackie Simmons and Greg from his marriage with Ana Maria Simmons, and six grandchildren.
Services for Mr. Simmons will be held 11:00 am Thursday, January 23, 2014 at the First United Methodist Church of Oviedo, 236 King St Oviedo, FL 32765. Donations to the church, which helps people in the community in many ways, are requested in lieu of flowers.
Arrangements are entrusted to DeGusipe Funeral Home & Crematory, 9001 N. Orlando Avenue, Maitland, Florida 32751. (407) 695-CARE(2273).
Funeral Mass
JAN 23. 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
First United Methodist Church of Oviedo
263 King Street
Oviedo, FL, US, 32765