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Floyd Ray Simmons also known to many as “BF, Festus, Lucky 13” was a man with John Wayne’s true grit, who passed away on October 1, 2020 just the way he wanted to leave this earth, at home peacefully in his sleep after brushing hogging all evening.
Floyd was born on May 18, 1937 in Muskogee, Oklahoma to P.H. and Mary Ruth (Webb) Simmons.
He was a member of the Sanders Baptist Church and at the age of 18 years old he was saved and baptized in the creek behind his parents homestead. He attended grade school at Sanders School and Stilwell High School. He was a member of Student Council and served as President his Junior year. He was an FFA member where he received his Greenhand, State and American FFA degrees. He “fondly” told the story of Mrs. Lilard who liked him so much she gave him a D double minus, which I guess would really mean she didn’t want him coming back. Shortly after high school he worked for Garrett Chevrolet, hauled goods for the Wauhillau Canning Company and then joined the Army National Guard where he served for 3 years.
In July of 1961, he married Judy Frances Croley. They started their lives together in Porter, Oklahoma where Floyd worked at a feed yard. Later, they moved back to Stilwell where Floyd and Judy bought their home place. He worked at Carrington Gas Company where he drove a gas truck and then later worked at Akin Lumber Yard where he hauled lumber and unloaded railroad cars. Floyd, also served on the ASCS board for over 18 years.
From an early age Floyd had a love for all animals and farming. He started his love of ranching with sheep and Herford’s. Eventually with the help of Judy and his six children he had up to 1500 momma cows and 2500 acres plus leased land. He had a vision for every place he bought and what it would look like. He loved to see progress. He also had a passion for livestock and horse sales. Anyone that went with him was up for an adventure. You either loved it or he wore you out. He had an eye for buying something mistreated or what he would call “Diamonds in the rough or mortgage lifters” and make it profitable. Floyd never met a stranger and each person he encountered was met with a handshake, smile and usually a good story or joke to tell. He was a man of his word and his handshake meant something. He was a very jolly, caring, giving and big hearted man who would give the shirt off his back to anyone who needed it. Floyd’s clock was always running a little slower than everyone else’s and he definitely passed that trait on to a few of his children.
Floyd lived a very long and blessed life. He woke up every morning thanking God for another day and always had to whoop ole Arthur “aka arthritis.” The thing Floyd loved the most was his family, close friends and his home Lonesome Dove. He loved seeing his children enjoy and excel at the things he loved: ranching, riding good horses, feeding cattle and good dogs. He really wanted to give people their flowers while they’re living. He was always dropping off goodies to his kids, grandkids, neighbors and friends. Floyd had an abundance of close friends that he enjoyed visiting and helping.
Floyd was proceded in death by his parents, one brother, Pete Simmons and wife Faye, granddaughter Lacey Jo and great grandson Hudson Yancey.
He is survived by a loving family that includes: the mother of his children who has a heart of gold and as Floyd called her the “queen of Scraper Holler” Judy Simmons, his six children; Donna Woods and husband Blake (children Kyle and wife Julie, Clint, Keith, Kelsey, Katlin and Kevin), Floyd Paul Simmons and wife Lisa (children Jessica, Melissa and husband Mark, Weston and wife Maggie), John Simmons and wife Leisa (children Blane, Jarret, Jake and Lexi), Jack Simmons and wife Tammy (children Spencer, Tyler and Kaiden), Mary Harlin and husband Bill (children Joseph, Michael, Billy and wife Anita, Buddy and wife Keisha, Amber and husband Ryan), Anna Weichel and husband Justin (children Jovi and Jemma); 15 great grandchildren; Baylor, Lynlie, Landen, Mack, Trapper, Landon, Elissa, Laney, Blayn, Emma, Chloe, Brenton, Thor, Jason, Stormie; 1 great great grandchild; Oakley. Siblings Jerry Simmons and wife Pearl, Elsie Parker and husband Jim; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and his very special life-long and best friend Curtis Larmon.
Happy Trails….
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