Rodney Dale Simmons Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Rodney Dale Simmons, 63, passed away on January 14, 2022, surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Enid, Oklahoma on October 14, 1958, to Dale L. Simmons and Beverly Jo Simmons. Growing up in a military family, Rodney lived in many different places: Topeka, Kansas, Brizenorton, England, Roswell, New Mexico, Millington, Tennessee, Brunswick, Maine, Bermuda, and Beeville, Texas. He graduated from A.C. Jones high school in Beeville, Texas in 1977. After graduation, he attended Hardin Simmons University in Abilene, Texas and graduated in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in religious education. He also attended Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary in San Francisco, California. After living in Hialeah, Florida, Rodney moved to Edmond, Oklahoma and worked for Xerox and Computer Services Inc. for over 35 years. Rodney was a charter member at Life.Church and served as a greeter for many years. In recent years, along with his sister Rhonda, he was devoted to the care of his parents. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, working on the yard, and feeding the wildlife. Every evening he would put food out for the raccoons, fox and opossum that would come to the back porch. He also threw out bread and seed for the birds and corn for the deer. Rodney’s biggest passion in life was playing tennis. He spent endless hours on the tennis courts and was given a ranking 4.5 by the US Tennis Association. He played in singles and doubles tournaments and loved giving lessons to children. Rodney was a compassionate and gentle soul and will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He is survived by his parents, Dale, and Jo Simmons; his sister, Rhonda Knowlton; his nephew Chadwick Knowlton and wife Erin, their children Chadwick jr. and Presley; his niece Randi Cole and husband Joshua, and their children Abigail, Carly, and Joshua Jr. Services to remember and celebrate Rodney's life will be held at Crawford Family Funeral Service on Thursday, January 20, 2022, at 1:00PM. Burial will take place following services at Gracelawn Cemetery. Services Thursday will be made available via livestream here on Rodney's tribute page, just prior to services beginning. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, in memory of Rodney. A link for making a donation may be found below. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html

Rodney Dale Simmons

October 14, 1958 - January 14, 2022