David Ramsay Simmons, Jr.

Published 8:51 am Wednesday, January 15, 2025

David Ramsay Simmons, Jr. passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025, in Bainbridge Georgia at age 93.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, January 10, 2025, at Bainbridge First Methodist Church with Rev. Stephen Webb officiating. Interment will follow at Oak City Cemetery with his grandsons serving as active pallbearers.

David Ramsay Simmons, Jr. was born August 26, 1931, in Atlanta, GA, the son of David Ramsay Simmons, Sr. & Ellen Carswell Simmons. He was a graduate of Bainbridge High School and furthered his studies at Emory University. Ramsay earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Georgia. He proudly served as a Lieutenant in the United States Air Force from 1953-1955. Ramsay retired as president of Elberta Crate & Box Company.

Serving the community he loved came in many forms. Ramsay was an active member of First Methodist Church and Bainbridge Rotary Club, holding positions of leadership throughout the years. He was a people person who never met a stranger, always remembering your name with a handshake and a smile. 

Traveling the world hardly compared to being with Peggy and riding through the farm every afternoon. In his day, bird hunting and entertaining customers was a joy, yet boating, fishing and walks on the beach became his favorites. Always the diplomat and businessman, Ramsays’ real passion was laughing, singing and dancing as a fun-loving husband, father, and grandfather sharing his intellect of his love of geography, exploring history and its fascinating cultures. Bottom line, Ramsay loved life. 

Survivors include his wife of 71 years, Peggy Striffler Simmons; his children, David Ramsay Simmons III (Elizabeth) of Bainbridge, Ellen Simmons Schrum (John) of DeBordieu, SC, Mary Simmons Ezell (Joe) of Destin, FL, Peggy Simmons Curnin (Jay) of Atlanta, GA, and Claire Wood Simmons of Apalachicola, FL; his grandchildren, Peggy Ladson Simmons Snyder, John Louis Schrum IV, David Carlton Schrum, Ramsay Simmons Schrum, Mary Ramsay White, Robert Roy Murray IV, Smith Simmons Murray, Ellen Carswell Curnin Heller, Jay Todd Curnin, Jr., and Nancy Elizabeth Curnin; his eleven great-grandchildren; his sister, Virgina Claire Murray of Cumming, GA; and a host of extended family. In addition to his parents, Ramsay was preceded in death by his brother, John Middleton Simmons. 

Bryant Funeral Home, located at 105 N. Florida Street, is assisting the family with arrangements. (229-246-3321) Online visitors may sign the guest register at www.bryantfuneralga.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bainbridge First Methodist Church, PO Box 541, Bainbridge, GA 39818 or Georgia Baptist Children’s Homes & Family Ministries, PO Box 329, Palmetto, GA 30268. www.georgiachildren.org/donate