ZACHARY, La. — The Rev. Thomas G. Simmons Jr., formerly of Vicksburg, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2011, at Baton Rouge General Medical Center. He was 71.

A native of McComb, the Rev. Simmons was a retired pastor and resident of Zachary. He had served as pastor of Goodrum Baptist Church in Vicksburg and was a former board member of the Louisiana Baptist Convention.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Sidney Scott Simmons; one sister, Mary Ruth Vaden; and three brothers, Thomas Walter Simmons, Edgar T. “Jack” Simmons and Billy S. Simmons.

He is survived by his wife, Marjorie Simmons; two daughters, Melanie Smith and Monica Simmons Pierson; one son, Thomas G. Simmons III; an adopted son, Ray Cobb; one sister, Evelyn Miller; one brother, Henry Gene Simmons Sr.; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Baker Funeral Home in Baker, La., with the Rev. Danny Greig officiating. Burial will follow at Milldale Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 5 until 9 p.m. Tuesday and from 9 a.m. Wednesday until the service.

Pallbearers will be Lt. Todd Gaguard, Dallas Bookenberger and members of the Dirty South chapter of the Brothers in Blue.

Honorary pallbearers will be Davis Pierson and Travis Simmons.

Online guestbook may be signed at bakerfuneralhomeonline.com.