Jesse D. Simmons Jr.

Mr. Jesse D. Simmons Jr., 77, of Newport, died Tuesday. Mr. Simmons loved to work, and always had a plan to move forward. He was known as the Snap-On Tool man for 20 years before becoming the Spice Man the past 14 years. While running his Snap-On Tool route, he would drop off his special mixtures of spices to his customers. With the help of those customers, the What's This!!! Spice Company was born. Survivors include his close friend and companion, Lynda Sampson; sons, Jesse Simmons III, (Michelle) and Roger Simmons (Donna); daughter, Margaret Booker (Mike): nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; his children's mother, Ollie Simmons; a lifetime of friends. Visitation: Friday, 6-8 p.m. at Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. Funeral: 1 p.m. Saturday at Holden Avenue Church of Christ. Interment: Augusta Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangements: Jackson's Newport Funeral Home. www.jacksonsfh.com.