Guy Simmons, Jr.

Guy Simmons Jr., 101 years and 6 months old, of McLean, Virginia and Lewis County, West Virginia passed away on the morning of September 23rd at Inova Fairfax Hospital after a brief illness. Born in Gilmer County, West Virginia to Guy and Blanche Simmons, who preceded him in death. He was one of six children raised in a small agricultural community. His wife of fifty- eight years, Fonda Wellings Simmons, preceded him in death. Guy is survived by his daughter Dr. Kathryn Simmons, brother Dr. William K. Simmons and his sister Margy Hatcher, brother-in-law Charles Wellings Jr. and his wife Barbara Fidler Wellings and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Preceded in death by his brother Robert Simmons and his sisters Jean Roberts and Betty Hardman.

He proudly served in World War II in the U.S. Navy at the rank of Seaman First Class on the USS Essex in the South Pacific theater. Attending West Virginia University on the GI bill, he later graduated from Glenville State College.

Guy was a remarkable man, a devoted and loving father and husband, who enjoyed working on his cattle farm, building tables, growing tomatoes, hunting deer, reading the daily newspaper, watching sports, listening to country music, and visiting with family and friends.

A member of the Greatest Generation, Guy was a physically strong man with a powerful sense of purpose. He was always looking ahead in life and never indulged in regrets. His word was his bond and upon retiring from farming, he sold his cattle herd on the basis of a handshake.

Guy consistently remained involved in his community as a member of the Farm Bureau, West Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, and for years leading a volunteer team for the Adopt- A- Highway program in his local community in West Virginia. In 2007, he received an Adopt-A-Highway volunteer of the year award in West Virginia.

Automobiles and real estate were among his greatest interests. Over his lifetime, Guy owned over 50 cars and trucks. He kept up on the latest models of automobiles through reading Motor Trend magazine and watching all the episodes of Motor Week on PBS television. He kept a picture of every car that he owned in an album and five days prior to his death, Guy completed detailing his car, waxing the car, polishing the chrome, and blackening the tires. He followed the real estate market and owned properties in two states.

Guy remained mentally sharp until his death and was a vital member of his family. He was the patriarch of a proud extended family that originated from humble beginnings. He was always willing to help when needed. We will miss his wise counsel and his steady presence.

Friends and family can pay their respects at 9:30 am on Saturday, October 3 at McLean Baptist Church in McLean, Virginia with funeral services at 10:30 am at the church and interment at 2:00 pm at National Memorial Park in Falls Church, Virginia with full military honors. Donations can be made to honor Guy at Heifer International.  https://www.heifer.org