WILLIAM NATHAN SIMMONS

After a courageous six-year battle with multiple myeloma cancer, Nathan was released from this life and returned to his Lord on September 2, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah.

He was born October 6, 1953 in Hollandale, Mississippi into the large family of Clinton Autamus “Buck” and Clara Pauline Miller Simmons.  He was the sixth of eleven children and the middle of three boys. At the age of seven Nathan’s mother passed away and the children were sent to be raised in the Palmer Home Orphanage in Columbus, Mississippi.  Nathan lived there until he graduated from Caldwell High School in 1971. 

As a young man Nathan joined the United States Air Force.  He recalled that his most memorable station was as security guard at an air field in England.  He was honorably discharge in 1978.  

Nathan located in Phoenix, Arizona where he earned a degree in broadcasting.  Upon graduating he returned to Louisville, Mississippi to work at a local radio station.  After several years he discovered his true calling which was serving the Lord as a Baptist Pastor.  The First Baptist Church in Richfield, Utah was a sister church to his own congregation in Mississippi. In order to pursue his desire, he made the decision to move to Utah as a Baptist Missionary. 

While in Richfield, Nathan worked at the KSVC radio station.  Here he met the love of his life, Gwen Poulson. They were married April 2, 1982.  They were blessed with a family of five beautiful children, Paul, Jamie, Gatlin, Skyler and Kailee. 

On January 20, 2012, Nathan’s dream of becoming a Baptist Pastor came to fruition. He officially became the Pastor of the Baptist Church in Centerfield, Utah.  He loved his church and congregation. Even though his health was failing, he strived spiritually and physically to fulfill his calling. Nathan loved the Lord and always served Him to the best of his ability.

Nathan was a good, kind and loving husband and father.  He loved unconditionally. His family and friends were always very important to him.  He was always willing to go the extra mile to help someone.  

Nathan was employed by Satterwhites in Gunnison, Utah for many years.  Sam Satterwhite was a “God Send” to Nathan and his family. After Nathan was diagnosed with cancer, Sam created a special job for him that allowed Nathan to continue working even though it was often very difficult because of his failing health.  The family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Sam for his kindness to Nathan and his family.

Nathan is survived by his wife, Gwen; children,  Paul Nathaniel Simmons, Richfield, Utah; Jamie Myriah (Korie) Mcfadden, Ivins, Utah;  Gatlin Jesse Simmons, Kansas City, Missouri; Kailee Anne Simmons, Orem, Utah; grandsons: Skylen, Hayden, Jaxen McFadden and Daxton Simmons;  brothers and sisters: Clara (Ricky) Goodin, Jessie (Albert) Baker, Ann (Robert) Holt, Gerri Hunter, Faye Robertson, Clinton “Bubba”(Linda) Simmons all Mississippi; Jane (Johny) Gatlin, North Carolina; Arnold Simmons, Tennessee; Kaye (Clary) Swanson, Texas. 

He was proceeded in death by his parents, sister Jean Simmons, infant son, Skyler Derral Simmons and in-laws, Derral and Coye Poulson. 

Cremation services were held in Salt Lake City, Utah.  A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, September 12, 2019 at 1:00 o’clock pm at the Sevier Valley Baptist Church, 500 N Main, Richfield, Utah.  Family and friends may visit with the family before the services at the church starting at 12:00 noon that day. An additional memorial service will be held in Macon, Mississippi at a later date.