Ronnie Gay Simms

Funeral services for Ronnie Gay Simms will be held Thursday, December 27, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Clark Bynum and Erick Jenkins officiating.  Interment will follow in the Harmony Cemetery in Nacogdoches County.

Mr. Simms, a longtime resident of Lufkin, was born November 14, 1947, in Lufkin, Texas, the son of the late Charlotte (Allen) and Lee Burke Simms. He lost his battle with cancer on Friday, December 21, 2018, at the age of 71.

Ronnie Gay, or “Gator” as he was known by his friends, worked his dream job as a locomotive engineer for A&NR Railroad for 30 years. He was a man that loved to swap stories with old friends, get excited over a good car race, garden in his free time, worship at Allentown United Pentecostal Church, and most importantly, enjoy the love of his family.

Survivors include his wife of 54 years, Margie Eddings Simms of Lufkin; his daughter and son-in-law, Rhonda Simms Aldrich and Michael Aldrich of Houston; son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Ashley Simms of Houston; sisters, Blanche Simms Brunner of Lufkin, Sherry Simms Rhodes and husband Marion of Lufkin; granddaughter, Brittany Crawford and husband Aaron of Lufkin; grandsons, Marine SSgt. Ryan Aldrich and wife Amanda stationed in North Carolina, Cameron Simms, and Ethan Simms, all of Houston; and great grandchildren, Chesni “Chesi” and Marleigh Crawford.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Charlotte Simms; his brother, Aubrey Simms; and special friend, Pastor Ray Pinner.

Pallbearers will be Lane Allen, Joe Mack Allen, David Kirkland, Joe Ed Eddings, Greg Minshew, and Marine SSgt. Ryan Aldrich.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors