Rossi G. Simms

Hospital Corpsman First Class Rossie G. Simms, United States Naval Reserve, succumbed to respiratory failure December 16, 2001 at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, WA. Rossi Simms was born in Baltimore, MD, on August 25, 1965 and was baptized at the Central Church of Christ in 1978. A 1983 graduate of Mergenthaler Vocational-Technical High School. Rossi attended two years at Morgan State University. He enlisted in the United States Navy in June 1985 in the Training and Administration of Reserves (TAR) program. Following graduation from Naval Hospital Corpsmen School in Great Lakes, IL in October 1985, he was assigned to Naval Air Reserve Center, Naval Air Station Miramar, San Diego, CA, where he served as a health services advisor. Other assignments included tours at Naval Reserve Centers in Cumberland, MD, Bremerton, WA. and Bangor, WA. He served on the staff at Naval Reserve Readiness Command Region Five in Ravenna, OH, and as a member of the 4th Marine Division Headquarters and Services Company 4, Combat Engineering Battalion in Baltimore, MD. His final assignment was to Naval Reserve Readiness Command Northwest, Everett WA, where he served as Leading Petty Officer in the Health Services Department. His co-workers remembered him for his infectious smile and dry sense of humor. “It never seemed like he was trying to be funny, but he just had a way of making you laugh,” said Hospital Corpsman Third Class Richard Laroche, who worked for Simms at REDCOM Northwest. “He just had a very unique way of imparting his wisdom.” Rossi was also an avid bowler who once bowled a perfect game. He was so adept on the lanes that many of his friends believed he had a future on the professional bowling tour. And although he was serious about the game he loved, he always took the time to help or encourage friends between frames. “He always gave me tips on bowling – from my alignment to my release,” said Personnelman Second Class Gerald Hatch. “He definitely made me a better bowler. But more than that, he made me a better person just by being around him.” Petty Officer Simms’ service was distinguished by three Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, four Good Conduct Medals and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He is survived by his wife, Gail; father, Frank Layton Simms; brother, Harry Antonio Walker; aunt, Joyce Riddick; uncles, William Riddick, Ronald Grant and Donald Grant; grandfather, Rossi Grant Simms; three nephews, one niece, and a host of friends and other relatives. Rossi is preceded in death by his mother, Shirley Elaine Simms.

Tributes

Rossi G. Simms

August 25, 1965 - December 16, 2001