Hubert Lee Simmons

Hubert Lee Simmons, 88 of Gulfport, joined his wife in heaven Friday morning, June 26, 2026 at Connected Hearts Assisted Living Center in Gulfport. He was born on August 08,1937 in Gulfport, the fourth of eight children to the late Rennie (Kenny) and Thelma (Wade) Simmons. Hubert grew up in Gulfport, and spent his entire life in his hometown. He loved sports, playing baseball, basketball, and football while in school, and also in rec leagues along the way, but once all that was done, softball remained his passion through the years. Hubert attended Gulfport schools, but opted to get his GED and join the US Navy. Hubert served honorably for four years as a firefighter aboard the USS Intrepid. Following his discharge, he worked for a bit elsewhere but when the opportunity came, he applied to the Gulfport Fire Department, and spent the next 27 years there. Hubert worked up through the ranks to become Assistant Chief, retiring in 1987. From there, Hubert went to work as a fire safety inspector at Mason Chamberlain Army Ammo Plant, spending several years there before moving to the Seabee base in Gulfport doing the same thing with their fire department. In all, with his time in the military, Hubert spent the better part of 60 years in the fire service. When he wasn't fighting fire, he could usually be found either in church, or on a softball field somewhere! Hubert was saved as a teenager and became a charter member of Pass Road Baptist Church. He served the Lord faithfully over the years in many aspects of ministry work and was ordained as a deacon in the mid 70s. But outside church and fighting fire, softball was his passion. For many years, he played or coached teams, participating in tournaments not just locally, but all over the state and country, both in church softball as well as the Gulfport Fire Dept. In 1986, the GFD team finished as the runnesrup in the 1986 National Firefighters Tournament, with Hubert playing first base. The following year, the Pass Road Baptist Church team finished as runnersup in the 1987 USSSA national tournament, also with Hubert at first base. Softball was certainly a very big part of his life, but it was his heart of love for his Lord, his family, his country, and his community that carried him through life. And those were his hobbies as well. The Lord brought Hubert and Marie together at Pass Road Baptist and they were married in 1959. They made their home in Gulfport where they raised three children. She was his soulmate and partner through all that life had to offer for more than 63 years before the Lord called her home in March of '25. After a lifetime of service, Hubert joins her for his well-earned eternal rest. He will be forever missed by so many whose life he touched along the way. He was preceded by his parents, Kenny and Thelma Simmons; his loving wife and soulmate, Marie; his siblings: brothers Vernon, Ray, Harvey, and Van, and his sister Juanita Peleaz. Left to cherish his memories are their three boys: Gerald (Kelly) Simmons of Panama City Beach, FL, Darryl (Caren) Simmons of St. Martin, and Alan Simmons of Long Beach; one brother, Ralph (Pat) Simmons of Gulfport, and one sister, Donna (Andy) Prince of Crossville, TN. Hubert leaves a legacy of thirteen grandchildren: Lindsay (Jarred) Rushing, Kyle (Sara Beth) Simmons, Dylan (Bailey) Simmons, Austin Simmons, Madison Simmons, Lexie Simmons, Chandler Speed, Cross Speed, Cooper Simmons, Kendall Simmons, and Cade Simmons; with nine greatgrands: Tinleigh, Leighton, Deacon, Grayson, Weston, Timmy, Oakleigh, and Milo, along with too many extended family and friends to count. Hubert's final wishes were to be cremated, which his family is honoring. Both he and Marie will be interred at Biloxi National Cemetery, with US Navy honors, at a later date. Trinity Funeral Services is honored to serve the Simmons family in their time of need and asks that you remember them in your thoughts and prayers through the days ahead.