Gaylon Davis “Popsey” Simmons died January 1, 2024 at his home in Ruston, Louisiana at the age of 87. He was born Dec. 23, 1936 to Johnnie Davis and Bertie Culver Simmons in Bienville Parish Louisiana.

Gaylon graduated from Arcadia High School in 1955. He attended LA Tech University and graduated from Kilgore Jr. College in Kilgore , TX.

Gaylon was an entrepreneur.  He and his former wife Annette Turner were the owners of LEDCO, a conglomerate of Oil and Gas companies, operating in multiple states prior to his retirement in 1986.  LEDCO was listed in Fortune 500 in 1984 as one of the fastest growing privately held companies in the United States.  He spent most of his time working in and around the New Orleans area. Once retired, he then resided full time in Jackson Parish, Louisiana.

Gaylon was on the Alumni Board at LA Tech University in Ruston and was one of the key founders to have Caney Lake Reservoir built and served as chairman of the Jackson Parish Watershed Commission for a number of years.

Gaylon and his wife Charlotte Denise Hudson were married in 2002. They enjoyed traveling, crappie fishing, gardening and spending time with their children and grandchildren.  They were blessed with the opportunity to enjoy watching all of their family grow their own families.

Gaylon was also the founder of Big Buck Hunting Club, based at his homestead in Bienville Parish, LA.  You could find him here during deer season or before preparing for the upcoming season.  He enjoyed the outdoors. He and his grandchildren loved taking trail rides and enjoying time together.

He was an avid reader of non-fiction books and literature. He would read daily and change out his books at the public library.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Simmons: son, Scot Davis Simmons and his wife Lory Denise Simmons of Ruston, LA; grandchildren Reid Davis Simmons of Madison, Mississippi and Pearce Quentin Simmons of Oxford, Mississippi and niece Debbie Collins and stepchildren:  Cherie Odom, and husband James of Ruston, LA and children Faith, Lily Kate, Mathew and great grandson Wade.  Frank Mathews, and wife Lindsay of West Monroe, LA and children Kypton and Graysha.

Preceding his death were his daughter Gay Ann Simmons-Posey: son Chad Edward Simmons; sister Hazel Simmons Peel and brother Clyde Thomas Simmons.

Pallbearer:  Trent Ellis, Matthew Fuqua, Frank Mathews, Gary Mesa, James Odom, Barry Ryals

Honorary Pallbearer: John E. Maxwell, Larry C. Mayfield, Fred L. Mesa, C.A. Taylor

The Visitation service will be held at Kilpatrick Funeral Home, Ruston, LA 1/4/2024 @ 1-2 p.m.  Immediately following Memorial Service at 2 p.m.  Grave side services will be Kilpatrick Memorial Garden.

The entire Simmons family appreciates your heartfelt sympathy.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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