A legacy is a reflection of the values, beliefs, and contributions someone leaves behind, whether through their actions, their achievements, or the way they inspire others. It has less to do with material wealth and more to do with a life of purpose and fulfillment. A strong legacy can shape communities, inspire change, and create a foundation for those who come after—ensuring that the essence of who you are continues to resonate and guide others after you are gone.
Our hope is that you will be inspired by the legacies that these families will share through their stories here. What legacy will you leave?
The Simmons family define a legacy as a lasting memory of a life well-lived. That’s the legacy they hope to leave, and they do this through their faith, generosity, and focus on family. It’s a Christ-filled path they are paving for future generations to follow.
What core values do you hope to pass on to your loved ones?
Faith, integrity, honesty, loyalty, humility, strong work ethic, dependability, and generosity. These are the characteristics that should define us. When people reflect on the Simmons family, these are the words that should come to mind. First and foremost, our lives are governed by our faith—the other values are simply a reflection of who we are in Christ.
As you balance hard work with personal relationships, how do you support those around you?
As a leader in business, my job is to look out for the well-being of my work family. I strive every day to demonstrate compassion and care. All I can do is choose to be the mirror that reflects the light of Christ. I focus on a positive attitude and optimism. I try to be a calming influence in a world of chaos!
Reflecting on your challenges or setbacks, what key lessons have you learned, and how have they shaped you?
As we live through the ups and downs of life, striving every day to make positive choices has been our guiding principle. When we were first married, like many young couples, we struggled. Raising a family far away from family presented its own set of challenges.
We learned to rely on our military family as well as our friends in the community. We learned to be thrifty and to live on a budget. We were all in the same boat, and we learned the importance of surrounding yourself with community.
It’s fun to look back and realize how God brings people into your lives when you need them. We had friends who were older who looked out for us. We had friends with children the same age as ours, and we had friends that were younger that allowed us to pour into them. All part of God’s perfect plan!
How do you want to be remembered by family and friends—professionally and personally?
When people reflect on me as a boss and leader, I want them to think of the Tim McGraw song, “Humble and Kind.” I have always known that it wasn’t about me. Leaving my ego at the door and treating people with kindness and respect have always driven me. It’s important to have a positive attitude in all that you do—because attitudes are contagious, and I would rather people catch a good one than a cranky one.
On a personal level, we want people to think of us as kind, dependable, and genuine.
What are the traditions you consider essential to preserve and pass on to future generations?
Our family traditions center around Sundays! Church in the morning and family supper in the evening. Church allows for a reset and refocus on the teachings of the Lord. Family supper allows for a reset and focus on the family.
Sunday supper conversations have been lively exchanges about everything from religion to politics to sports and local happenings. Being able to express your opinions while listening to and understanding others is sometimes a forgotten skill.
In what ways do you hope your actions, decisions, and example will influence others in their lives?
All you need to do to have a life-well lived is to love Jesus and love like Jesus. If you do this, everything else will take care of itself.
When you think about the legacy you wish to leave behind, what is the most important gift or lesson you hope to pass on to your family?
At the end of our lives, when we meet God face to face, we just want him to be proud of us. That should be the goal. We want our children and grandchildren to know that we are proud of them and always will be—they are loved!
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 – Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
