Bernard Simmons

Mr. Bernard R. Simmons, age 72, of 16308 Old Jonesboro Road, died peacefully Monday, Nov. 15, 2004, in Bristol TN at the Wellmont Hospice House. He was born in Red Ash, Va. June 3, 1932, a son of the late Roy William Simmons and Wanda Short Simmons of Richlands, VA. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by one brother, George Thomas Simmons. Survivors of his immediate family are Dennis Simmons, Norma Lee, Bill Simmons, Jack Simmons, Sandra Spruell and Renee Simmons. He served in the U.S. Army in the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Richlands Masonic Lodge. He was a member of the Shriners Organization (Scottish Rite), Roanoke Chapter. He was commissioned a Kentucky Colonel by the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels. He was honored by the Richlands area Chamber of Commerce as Citizen of theYear in 1972. He also served as Director of Industry, Manufacturing and Transportation for the Chamber. He was on the Advisory Board of Directors for Dominion Bank of Richlands. A leader in the field of business, Bernard R. Simmons founded S&S Machinery in 1955 where he designed battery-powered, underground machinery for use in the mines of his native Tazewell County. S&S Machinery later became S&S Corporation the world's leading manufacturer of rubber-tired, underground mining equipment. In 1976 his corporation became part of the worldwide Ingersoll-Rand Company. He retired from Ingersoll-Rand in1983. In 1987, upon the request of Ingersol-Rand's Management, he became Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer in a joint venture with Simmons-Rand Company, overseeing the operations from the corporate headquarters in Bristol, VA. In recognition of his distinguished contributions to society, education and the college, as well as outstanding leadership in the field of business, he received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humanities, from Ferrum College. He was well respected for his leadership as well as his integrity and concern for his fellow man. Special recognition is given to the late Ralph B. Davis for his partnership and brotherhood with Bernard. Mr. Simmons always spoke of his success depending on each and every employee at the corporation. Survivors are his loving and loyal wife of 52 years, Loretta Price Simmons; sons, William B. Simmons of Bristol, VA. and Bryan K. Simmons of Radford, VA.; daughters Bernetta Saunders and husband Graham M. Saunders and Alisa Simmons-Snapp and husband Keith D. Snapp both of Atlanta, GA. and Vanessa Endicott of Richlands; grandchildren, Bridget and Brooke Snapp, Adrienne Mullins, Lindsey, Mastin, and Noah Simmons, and Ashley and Ryan Vandyke. One great-grandson, Devin and one great-grand-daughter Savannah. To our special and gracious friends Delphine Dupree, Caroline and Dale Stoots, and Doris Price, you have our deepest gratitude. Funeral services for Mr. Bernard R. Simmons will be conducted Thursday at 2:00 pm.at the Hurst Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Dr. Charles Massey officiating. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, VA. Pallbearers will be Michael Simmons, Jeff Simmons, Dennis Lee, John David Jackson, Billy Ray Simmons, John Simmons, Skip Kidd, Timothy Salyers and Henry A. Foster. Honorary Pallbearers are Kyle Matney, John McGinnis, Richard Farthing, Sparkie Watson, Les Ballard, Dr. Jim McVey, Harry Carter, Billy McCall, John Lazar, Jim Lindsey, Ronald Thomas, George Cox, Michael Ray Bales, Dusty Ballard, Gene Hearl, Carol Davis, Diana Queen and Phyllis Watson.Members of Casey-Shortt VFW Post #9640 of Richlands, Virginia and Disabled American Veterans Tazewell County Chapter 31 will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands from 6:00-9:00 pm Wednesday. In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial contributions to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Rd., Bristol, VA., 37620, in recognition of their exceptional care and compassion. Those wishing to express sympathy online please e-mail ASIMMONSSNAPP@aol.com.

Bernard Simmons

June 3, 1932 - November 15, 2004