Mark Justin Simmons was born in Rome, Georgia on November 17, 1956, to Edgar H. (Ham) Simmons and Ramie Lee (Bedwell) Simmons. He graduated from Simsbury High School in Simsbury, Connecticut in 1974 and later moved to Houston, Texas to be near his family. Mark attended the University of Houston, where he studied Electrical Engineering and Marketing.

Mark spent over 40 years in electrical equipment sales, a vocation he loved for the people and customers he served. He cherished the relationships he built throughout his career and took pride in his work.

Growing up, Mark spent summers on his grandparents' farm in Ocilla, Georgia, where he learned to work the farm, and he developed a lifelong passion for fishing. Mark was a devoted fan of the Houston Astros and enjoyed camping, reading and watching old westerns. He loved spending time with his grandchildren, sharing with them the wisdom and love that he had gained throughout his life. Music was a perpetual source of happiness for him, and everyone who knew him recognized his deep passion for all things Grateful Dead.

Mark is survived by his twin sisters, Bridget Schulten and her husband Rob, and their children Sam and Maggie; Brenda Simmons and her wife Angie Swanagon; grandchildren Erikka and Allison Jaime; and great-grandson Marcello Jaime. He was preceded in death by his parents and his daughter, Ashley Marie Simmons.

Mark's faith in God was certain and unwavering and was a constant source of strength throughout his life.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16