Roper Funeral Home and Crematory 206 Holly St Jasper, GA 30143 (706) 253-7500 (706) 253-0040 www.roperfuneralhome.com Verner "Vern" Simmons, age 84 of Talking Rock, Georgia passed away Thursday, July 16, 2026 at Northside Hospital Cherokee. Vern was born in Talking Rock, GA on January 9, 1942 to Rembert and Faye Griffeth Simmons. Verner lived a life defined by hard work, unwavering dedication to his family, and a quiet strength that inspired everyone who knew him. He attended Talking Rock Grammer School and graduated from Pickens High School. Verner's roots ran deep in the community he loved. His mother, Faye, was one of his teachers, and his younger sister, Sue, attended school alongside him in the same grade-a unique family memory he always cherished. Following graduation, Verner answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he earned the rank and respect of a Drill Sergeant. He often shared stories of his time stationed in Germany, memories that remained close to his heart throughout his life. Even years later, many of those who worked beside him affectionately knew him as "Serge," a nickname that reflected both his military background and his natural ability to lead. On his birthday in 1976, Verner married the love of his life, Ann. She always joked that marrying him on his birthday guaranteed he would never forget their anniversary. Their marriage became a beautiful example of love, faithfulness, and partnership through every season of life. If there was one thing Verner was known for beyond his family, it was his gift behind the controls of a bulldozer. Running a John Deere dozer wasn't simply his job-it was his passion and his calling. He spent his entire career in the grading industry, earning a reputation as someone who could accomplish with one machine what others needed several to do. His skill, precision, and unmatched work ethic made him a respected fixture in the industry. Later in his career, Verner had the privilege of working alongside his daughter, Carrie, passing down not only knowledge of the trade but also the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Even after retiring from larger companies, he couldn't stay away from the work he loved. He spent his later years helping Jeff on job sites whenever he was needed and enjoyed sharing his decades of experience with younger entrepreneurs, hoping to leave them better than he found them. No matter how demanding his career became, Verner never neglected the family farm. Caring for his cattle, tending large summer gardens, and working the land brought him great joy. His gardens produced more than enough to feed his own family-they often fed friends, neighbors, and members of the community as well. Even after being diagnosed with COPD, Verner refused to let the disease define him. He continued farming, gardening, and working for many years with the same determination that had carried him throughout his life. Of all the accomplishments in his life, none brought him greater pride than his grandchildren. They were truly the light of his life. He treasured every opportunity to spend time with them, especially teaching his buddy, Canaan, the ropes around the farm-feeding cattle, mowing, driving the tractor, and learning the value of honest work. He also loved spending time fishing with Canaan, sharing quiet moments by the water and passing along his love for fishing. In his later years, spending time with both Canaan and Kinsley on the farm became one of his greatest joys. Each year, Verner looked forward to the family's trip to the beach. Although he may have secretly gone in the early years just to attend the NASCAR race, once the grandchildren came along, the time spent making memories with them became what mattered most. Verner was a lifelong NASCAR fan. Sunday afternoons were reserved for racing, and it took something truly important for him to miss a race. Sunday evenings meant family gathered around the table, enjoying home-cooked meals filled with fresh vegetables from the garden while NASCAR played in the background. When racing wasn't on, you could almost always find him watching baseball or basketball. During the last year of his life, Verner fought with remarkable courage and determination. True to the man he had always been, he refused to give up. His strength, resilience, and work ethic remained evident until the very end. Through every hospital stay and every setback, Ann faithfully remained by his side, tirelessly advocating for him and making sure he received the very best care possible. Their love and devotion to one another never wavered. Verner leaves behind far more than memories. He leaves a legacy of hard work, service, leadership, generosity, and unconditional love for his family. His lessons were often taught not with words, but through the example of a life well lived. Whether behind the controls of a bulldozer, working in the garden, tending cattle, cheering on his favorite driver, or spending precious moments with his family, Verner gave his very best to everything he did. His footprints will forever remain in the fields he farmed, the roads and landscapes he helped build, the lives he mentored, and most importantly, in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him. Survivors include: Wife, Ann Simmons of Talking Rock; daughter and son-in-law, Carrie and Jeff Roland of Talking Rock; grandchildren, Canaan Roland and Kinsley Roland of Talking Rock; sister, Sue Benton of Talking Rock; and several nieces, nephews, and other family also survive as well as many special friends that have become extended family over the years. Services will be held at 2:00pm Sunday, July 19, 2026 from the chapel of Roper Funeral Home with Reverend Terry Dean and Reverend Larry Johnson officiating. The interment will follow in the Talking Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at Roper Funeral Home on Saturday, July 18, 2026 from 2:00pm until 9:00pm and on Sunday from 9:00am until the funeral hour. Arrangements are entrusted to the Staff of Roper Funeral Home and Crematory.