Joe Simmons

Joseph "Joe" Simmons (May 15, 1930 - May 21, 2021) was an American author.

Early Life
Joe was born on May 15, 1930 in Atlanta. His mother, Monica Simmons, was a travel agent. His father, Norville "Shaggy" Simmons, was an Army officer. He had an older sister, Rebel. He had a deep connection with his friends and family, especially with the family mongrel, Penelope, who eventually became the namesake of one of Joe's daughters.

Simmons showed a huge interest in reading and writing as a child and teen. Whenever he wasn't feeling his smartest, he would find a good book to read to sharpen his mind.

Career
In 1948, at 18 years old, Simmons was hired by the Boanno Press for their Writer opening. He became officially famous in 1955.

Personal Life
Simmons met his future wife, Carson Bennet, an architect, in 1949. After two years of dating, they married in 1951. Their first child, son Jaylen, was born a year later. They remained married until Joe's death.

Death
From complications of old age, Simmons died peacefully in his sleep on May 21, 2021, at the ripe old age of 91. He is survived by his wife, seven children and ten grandchildren. His net worth was $71,588,770.