Samuel Jefferson Simmons, III

Samuel Jefferson Simmons, III, passed away peacefully at the age of 80 on September 26, 2024.

Sam was born on January 24, 1944 in Grenada, MS to Samuel Jefferson Simmons, Jr. and Mary Coleman Simmons.

He proudly and honorably served in the United States Air Force during a pivotal time in history in the early 1960s. He began his service in Amarillo, Texas, and was later stationed in Anchorage, Alaska servicing and loading airplanes that were delivering aid to the Vietnamese people prior to the war. He shared stories of believing he might freeze to death while refueling planes in the Alaskan winter, but his dedication, sacrifice and duty always guided him, which meant he was always there, getting the job done, regardless of the circumstances. Later, Sam was honorably discharged on February 27, 1964 while stationed at McChord Air Force Base in Tacoma, WA.

 After his military service, Sam attended Delta State University in Cleveland, MS where he studied History and graduated with a Master’s degree. After completing his education, Sam became a devoted father, husband and entrepreneur.

Sam started a business with his mother, Mary Coleman Simmons and aunt, Kathryn Elizabeth Coleman, best known by the family as “Mimi and Aunt Kathryn.” They bought and sold antiques in Memphis for many years. For over 30 years, you could find Sam at the Memphis Fairgrounds on the 1st , 2nd, and 4th weekend of every month running the Mid-South Flea Market, later the Coleman-Simmons Promotions market. No one could miss his larger-than-life personality, eye for the extraordinary, and infectious enthusiasm for the history behind each piece bought and sold each day.

 Sam was married for 45 wonderful years to his devoted wife, Nancy, who stood by him through every chapter of life. He had two sons, Sam and Sloan, who were the pride and joy of his life. The legacy he leaves behind is immense. He will be deeply missed by his family and those who loved him but will be remembered for the valuable life advice he often doled out to anyone who needed to hear it, his remarkable gumption, and always finding joy in the simple pleasures of life like the company of his sons, grandchildren, and his faithful pups.

 Sam was preceded in death by his father, Samuel Jefferson Simmons, Jr., mother, Mary Coleman Simmons, and aunt, Kathryn Elizabeth Coleman.

 He is survived by his wife, Nancy Cox Simmons (Eads, TN), sons, Samuel Jefferson Simmons, IV (Rachel) of Covington and Sloan Coleman Simmons (Amber) of Memphis; grandchildren Ellie Moses (Gary), Mary Tanner Simmons, Samuel Jefferson Simmons, V, and Alexandra Simmons, and sister, Mary Lee Robinson Boutwell (Carl) of McGee, MS.

Graveside services will be held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, October 2nd at the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.  There is no visitation planned.  

 In lieu of flowers, the family would love for you to remember Sam by donating to the Memphis Humane Society or Covington Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) in his memory.