John Henry Simmons

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.”
— Matthew 25:23

John Henry Simmons, Sr., age 78, of Horry County, South Carolina, transitioned peacefully into the Heavenly home of our Creator on the afternoon of October 11, 2025. 

Born on February 3, 1947, in Horry County, John Henry was the beloved son of the late Evelyn Simmons and Mary Alice Chestnut. He was preceded in death by his daughter Deborah Bonaparte; sisters Olivia Chestnut and Emma Gore; and his brothers Eddie Simmons and Leroy Chestnut. 

John Henry attended local schools in Horry County and later became self-employed. He was a member of Sandy Grove Missionary Baptist Church where he actively served as a member of the Trustee Board and Golf Committee. He was a man of many talents and passions, he loved to golf and paint, and he cherished spending time with his family and friends. His greatest joys included spending time with his wife, visiting his children and grandchildren and traveling to watch his grandson play sports. Known for his warm spirit and great sense of humor, he brought laughter and love to all who knew him. 

He leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Lucille Simmons; his loving son, John (LaToya) Simmons, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC; a son-in-law, Joseph Bonaparte of Hardeville, SC; he will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Crystal Bonaparte, Diamond Bonaparte, Kiera Simmons, and John Simmons, III; an honorary grandson who called him “granddad” his great-grandchildren, Ashton Palmer, Iniko Palmer, and Okina Palmer, who affectionately called him “GRANDDEDDY,” and “Papa.” John Henry is also survived by his brothers, Chris Chestnut of Myrtle Beach and Rio Simmons of Hemingway; his sisters, Linda (Leon) Davis of Myrtle Beach and Emily (Michael) Johnson of Conway, SC; and his uncle, Bobby Jean Simmons of Myrtle Beach. 

He will be fondly remembered by his brothers-in-law James (Mary) Pryor of Conway, Thomas Pryor of Myrtle Beach, Greg (Sharon) Pryor of Myrtle Beach, and Jeff Pryor; and his sisters-in-law Linda Pryor of Atlanta, GA, and Selena Ford of Conway, SC.

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