Funeral services were held Friday, May 27, 2022, at Rose Hill Baptist Church in Silver Creek, for Mr. Donell Simms, 74, who died Saturday, May 21, 2022, at University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson.  Rev. Leander Bridges officiated with interment following in the church cemetery.  Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Mr. Donell Simms was born to the late Octavia and Daniel Simms. He was educated in Lawrence County and graduated from McCullough High School in 1967.  He joined the military after graduating and served in the Vietnam War and received a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Combat Infantryman Badge and an Army Commendation Medal. After serving in the military, he made a career of driving for Bills Dollar Store.

Mr. Simms was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church where he served as trustee until his health failed.

He was preceded in death by his biological father, Elvia Lee Bridges, daughter, Doris Denise and siblings, Carolyn, Chester, Roger and Wayne.

Mr. Simms is survived by his children, James (Lashanda) Funchess of McComb, Charlotte (Bernard) Lee of Sumrall, Sharon (Michael) Weathersby of Ridgeland, Stephanie Sims of Plano, Texas, Donell Simms and Donovan Simms both of Silver Creek; siblings, Lionel Simms of Las Vegas, Nevada, Gwen (Donnie) Daniels of Silver Creek, Melvin (Sophia) Sims of West Memphis, Arkansas, Keith (Virgie) Bridges, of Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Ricky (Lula) Bridges of Notasulga, Alabama, Belinda (Isaac) Magee of Prentiss and Jeanette Jackson of Hattiesburg; 12 grandchildren;  two great-grandchildren and many other relatives and friends.