George Houston Simmons
George Houston Simmons, 78, of East Ridge, passed away on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at his home after a lengthy illness. He was cared for by his loving wife and his sister-in-law, Toni.
George was born in Pensacola, Fl., on April 22, 1945, to the late, Grady and Melody Simmons. After graduating high school he attended Panama City Junior College where he pitched baseball and was named an All-American. After graduating junior college he went on to finish his collegiate career at Auburn University where he continued as pitcher for the Tigers. To this day George was in constant contact with teammates and friends that he made while at Auburn and at Panama City. He continued attending reunions twice a year with his high school and college friends, “Just the Guys” he would say. They would go fishing, cookout, and play golf.
George moved to Chattanooga in the 1970s and opened his first of two salons. His first one was in Brainerd and his second “His and Her” opened in Hixson and continues to operate today by his brother Bit Simmons owner of the salon. He and Bit ran this location together for several years. After he left the salon he went to work in dialysis as a patient care technician with DCI and CKC.
He met his loving wife, Janis in 1997 when she came to his salon as a customer. They realized that they attended the same church, Central Baptist Church (now Abba’s House). With which they are still members to this day. They developed a friendship and even did ministry work together. They traveled to India as missionaries in 2005. George and Janis were wed in September of 2000. They were married for 23 years.
Preceding George in death are his aforementioned parents, his son, Brett Henke.
Left behind to cherish George’s memory are his wife, Janis, sister-in-law, Toni Griffith, son, George “Bubba“ Henke, his brother, Bit (Diane) Simmons, a sister, Lisa (Rick) Pierce, nephews, Sean and George, nieces, Lisa and Rachelle and many dear friends.
Per George’s wishes there will be no formal services.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in George’s memory can be made to Abba’s House, 5208 Hixson Pike, Hixson, Tn. 37343.
Arrangements are under the care of Chattanooga Funeral Home Crematory and Florist East Chapel, 404 South Moore Road, East Ridge, Tn. 37412.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com.