Gainesville, TX - Larry Ray Simmons, known to many as Sergeant Simmons, Buckwheat, or just Buck, passed on to his well deserved rest on March 6, 2026.

Larry dedicated his life to the service of others. He began his career with the Cooke County Sheriff's Department before later moving to the Gainesville Police Department where he worked until retirement. He considered his fellow officers to be close friends and trusted family. Outside of work, he loved to be outdoors. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and even took up golf for a while. He loved to be on the water and in the mountains of Colorado. Larry loved to travel and spent many summers driving around the United States on family vacations. Upon retirement he opted to spend several months of the year in Colorado with his brother and sister-in-law, John and Shirley Simmons.

Larry was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Katherine Simmons, and his wife Veda Simmons. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, John and Shirley Simmons, his daughter Sherida Hibbard, and countless friends and family amongst whom he will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Gethsemane Baptist Church (622 S Grand Avenue, Gainesville, TX). In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Larry's honor to one of the organizations below:

Steven Fleming Memorial Scholarship (NCTC, through First State Bank) or

Peace Officers' Memorial Foundation.