Joe Fred Simmons was born in Oakwood, Texas  on June 21, 1943 to Guy and Ruby Mae Johnson Simmons. He was the fourth of ten children.

He was raised in in Oakwood and attended Oakwood Public School at Dunbar High School.

He accepted Christ early in his life and united with Lake Port Church of God in Christ in Oakwood, Texas as a child. He later worshiped at Washington Chapel in Elkhart.

Joe Fred Simmons married Geneva Woodard in 1963. They had six children, Donald Simmons, Billy James Simmons, Robert Simmons, John David Simmons, Will Simmons and Willie Odell Simmons.

Joe Fred entered into eternal rest on December 23, 2015 at Trucare Living Center in Palestine, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents Guy and Ruby Mae Simmons, Sr.; brothers, Billy Fred Simmons, John D. Simmons, Guy Simmons, Jr., Charles Simmons; Sister, Dorothy Lene Owens; in-laws, Bill and Lucille Woodard; Harvey Weaver, Horace Weaver,  Charles Woodard, John Henry Woodard, John D. Woodard, Porter Weaver, Odell Woodard, Willie E. Woodard and Bill Weaver.

He is survived by his loving children; four sons, Donald Simmons, Houston, Texas, John David Simmons, Elkhart, Texas, Will (Unice Sherell) Simmons and Willie Odell Simmons; brothers,  L.J. Simmons, Houston, Texas, General Lee Simmons (Barbara), Houston, Texas, Willie J. Simmons (Shavanna), Oakwood, Texas; sisters, Ruby Watkins, Bonza Simmons both of Oakwood, Texas; brother-in-law, Roosevelt (Angel) Woodard, Dallas, Texas; sister-in-law, Costella Addison, Houston, Texas; nine grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren. A host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.