10/06/2026
Ralph Simmons Jr. left this earth, peacefully, on Sunday, October 4th, surrounded by his children who loved him deeply. Ralph was born September 7th, 1951in Kansas City, Missouri. He is preceded in death by his wife of 43 years, Laura Angela Simmons, father George Ralph Simmons, mother, Jewell Ann Simmons, and daughter, Candace Simmons.
Visitation will be held from 5-7PM on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10AM on Friday, October 9, 2026, at Mangum Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Folsom Chapel Cemetery.
Ralph, known as “Dink,” grew up in a small community, known as Graphic, where his family owned the “country store.” His love for his country, family, and horses began at a young age. Ralph graduated from Alma High School. After graduation, he joined the Navy where he served his country as a corpsman and where he played football. He continued his education and love of football at Memphis State. He, then, transferred to Texas Tech, where a saddle bronc riding, bar- fight loving cowboy, met the calm to his chaos, Laura Hornburg. He knew she would be the love of his life and so they married.
Later, he began to make his mark in the poultry industry. He, Laura, and their young family, eventually, made their way to Center, Texas. Center is where he led a long successful career in the poultry industry. That success included many accolades and leadership positions in the US poultry and Egg, Texas Broiler Council, as well as a seat at the Texas Animal Health Commission. Since retirement, he has been able to spend time fully enjoying the greatest love of his life, outside of God: his family. Whether it be cheering for grandkids at sporting events or watching westerns with his children, Ralph found joy in the simple things. After the emotional toll taken from losing his wife, Ralph relied heavily on his faith and family. He was a steadfast man who raised his children to do the same.
Although no broncs were “broken” or steers “punched,” Ralph was the epitome of the stoic cowboy. His legacy and lessons will live on for generations.
He is survived by:
Children:
Daughter, Stephanie Simmons Gutermuth and husband, Steven of Timpson
Daughter, Heather Stewart of Nacogdoches
Son, Jacob Simmons and wife Victoria of Lake Jackson, Texas
Grandchildren:
Colton Gutermuth and finance Rebecca Kalafatis
Taylor and Megan Gutermuth
Ashton and Avery Stewart
Eden, Kingston, and Ezra Ralph Simmons
Sisters:
Vickie Russel
Debbie Moody
Host of family and friends that will miss him, dearly.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to St Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
To send condolences or sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net. Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.
