Gregory Mack Simmons began a life that would cross paths with people from all walks of life. Firefighter Simmons was always willing to lend a helping hand. He accepted the oath‚ belief‚ and life of one who serves his community. You could find him at the concession stand cooking for the band‚ at the volunteer fire department’s fish fry‚ lending a hand with the town’s haunted house‚ or serving as the oldest water boy in history for the athletic teams and the Eastland High School band.

Greg received a 10-year pin from both the Sachse Fire Department and the Eastland Fire Department. He was named Fire Fighter of the Year in 2001 and 2012 and received an award from the State of Texas in 2011.

He had an unforgettable smile‚ cheerful laughter‚ and a warm hello. One of his favorite pastimes was to take advantage of the clear and dark evening skies in Eastland‚ where he would have the girls join him outside to watch the stars and spend time talking. He would even stop in the middle of a crazy day to make a simple phone call to his girls just to say‚ ‘I love you.’

Greg answered his final call on Friday‚ April 15‚ 2011‚ while battling one of five wildfires in Eastland County‚ Texas. Although his efforts helped to save the town of Gorman‚ Eastland Fire Department volunteer firefighter Greg Simmons gave his life doing what he loved. Greg was indeed a giver. On that dreadful day‚ the lives of his brotherhood at the Sachse and Eastland Volunteer Fire Departments‚ his community and‚ most importantly‚ his family were changed forever. They will always miss the husband‚ father‚ and friend he was.

He is survived by his wife‚ Carrie Simmons; his daughters‚ Kateland and Karley Simmons; his mother‚ Inez Simmons; his sister‚ Sharon Simmons; and his parents-in-law‚ Ken and Helen Songer. He was predeceased by his father‚ Harvey Simmons.

The legacy he leaves behind in his wife‚ Carrie‚ and his daughters‚ Kateland and Karley‚ is reflected in their special smile‚ contagious laughter‚ and the sparkle in their eyes.