Carl Simmons, 90, of Wauchula, passed away at home on July 2, 2015. He was born in Brewster, Florida on April 26, 1925. His family moved back to Wauchula shortly after his birth. He graduated from Wauchula High School and was a star football player. After high school he honorably served in the U. S. Navy Coast Guard and served his country for 4 years aboard the USS General R. L. Howze. Carl was of The Greatest Generation and proud to be an American. After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he went to Stetson University where he majored in agriculture and played football for 4 years. It was there he met and married his lovely wife, Frances (Fran) Hobson. Carl coached football at Stetson for 2 years after which he has asked to go to Miami High School where he joined the football staff headed by Charlie Tate. Carl was assistant coach and in charge of recruiting for Miami High s football team. Carl and Fran stayed in Miami for 7 years. They decided to move back to Wauchula and work in the citrus field of agriculture, a field he was drawn to. He owned and operated Heartland Transportation and the Hardee Fruit Company. They picked and hauled and took care of citrus groves all around this county for years. Carl was an avid hunter and fisherman. He served on many state committees, including the Basin Board and what is now South Florida State College Board. He was instrumental in securing the first branch of the South Florida Community College to come to Wauchula, all for the betterment of his hometown. His last venture came when he replanted his citrus nursery, growing the most beautiful citrus trees. He sold land and nursery in 2014 and retired. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Fran; his father, Thomas J. (Tom) Simmons and mother, Lora Carlton Simmons. He is survived by one sister, Martha Gentry, of Bowling Green; one nephew, Harry Orwig, and Wife, Betty of Bartow and his loyal, devoted, long-time employee, David Garza and wife, Josephine. Funeral services will be at 10:00am on Tuesday, July 7, 2015 at the chapel of Ponger-Kays-Grady Funeral Home, in Wauchula with Marcus Shackelford officiating. Burial will follow at the Glen Okra Cemetery. The family ask, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hospice of your choice or your favorite charity, which would be a tribute to Carl.