A Time To Be Born...

Mr.  Harry "Pete" Simmons, Sr., the son of the late Ellen "YaYa" Simmons Washington, was born on March 22, 1929 in Jamestown, South Carolina.  He was preceded in death by his mother, three brothers and two sisters.

A Time To Die...

On Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at his home in Charlotte, North Carolina, Harry's carefree and productive life ended. He was 89 years old.

A Time For Every Purpose Under The Heaven...

Harry received his education in Jamestown, South Carolina. As a young man, Harry made Jesus the forefront of his life. He joined the New Mount Zion A.M.E. Church where he continued to be a life long  member. In addition, he served in the United States Army with honor and pride and received an honorable discharge.

A Time To Be Blessed...

On June 3, 1950, Harry married the love of his life Ms. Bernice Bowman. To their union three children were born: Harry Jr., Erma, and Audrey.

In the late 1950's, Harry and Bernice relocated from South Carolina to Brooklyn, New York.  During this time, Harry was a dedicated husband and father who instilled Christian values into his family.  He was employed with the United States Postal Service and the New York City Board of Education for over 25 years.

While in New York, Harry would depart from the pier at Sheepshead Bay in Brooklyn, NY and travel to who knows where to catch the fish of the day, i.e., whiting, bass, tuna and even shark. He was such a great fisherman; he would have to give the fish away to all the neighbors on the block.

After retirement, Harry and his family relocated to Charlotte, NC. During this time, Harry spent his time being a good neighbor and friend to all he knew.  On any given day, you could find him doing the following with a smile on his face: gardening, cooking, grilling, reading, hunting or his all time favorite fishing! He was definitely a jack of all trades and master of them all.  There was not anything he could not do, put together, or fix.  He was a great dog trainer and storyteller; his stories were comical and interesting.  No matter the subject, Harry had a story about it.

Harry, or as many family members would call him "PaPa", was a loving, kind, and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, cousin and friend. He will forever be remembered by those who were privileged to have loved and known him.

A Time Of Memories...

Loved ones who will cherish fond memories forever are: his loving wife, Bernice Simmons of Charlotte, NC; his children, Harry Simmons, Jr. (Noreen) of Charlotte, NC, Erma Simmons of Charlotte, NC and Audrey McDonald (Lloyd) of Weddington, NC; his beloved brother, Henry Washington of Jamestown, SC; his sister, Maglene Pannell of Baltimore, MD; 14 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.