Bill R. Simmons

Bill R. Simmons, age 85, of Doran, VA, passed away on Sunday, March 2, 2025, following a lengthy illness at Pikeville Medical Center in Pikeville, KY. He was born on November 19, 1939, in Raven, VA, to the late Roy William Simmons and Wanda Gladys Short Simmons. Bill served his country in the US. Army during the Vietnam War. He was a former coal operator for Simmons Equipment and Taylor Hydraulics. He loved to work, and if not for his illness in 2024 that slowed him down, he would still be working. He devoted twenty years as a beloved coach for the Richlands Little League. Bill has always tried to attend the Richlands Football games, and was a proud supporter of Richlands Sports. He was an avid fisherman and loved to hunt. He enjoyed playing the guitar, singing, and spending time with his family. He attended the Richlands First Assembly of God and was a lifetime resident of the area. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, George T. Simmons and his wife, Bernice; Bernard R. Simmons and wife, Loretta; and Dennis B. Simmons and wife, Billie Sue; and sister, Norma Simmons Lee and husband, Robert Lee. Bill is survived by: His Loving Wife, whom he was proudly married to for 59 years, Linda Smith Simmons of Doran, VA Sons: Billy Simmons, II and wife, Crystal of Bristol, TN Shane Simmons of Abingdon, VA Ben Simmons and his wife, Cindy, of Lynn Haven, FL Sisters: Sandra Simmons Spruell of Maryville, TN Renee Simmons and husband, Tucker of Bluefield, VA Brother, Jack L. Simmons and wife, Phyllis of Richlands, VA Grandchildren: Vince Simmons, Sean Simmons, Levi Simmons, Kennedy Simmons, Logan Simmons and fiancée, Olivia, Will “Joey” Simmons, and Rianna Simmons Step-Grandchildren: Sadie Martin, and Shaylen Shrader Many beloved nieces, nephews, relatives, and longtime friends also survive. Funeral services for Bill R. Simmons will be conducted Wednesday, March 5, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, Virginia, with the Rev. Buddy Herald officiating. Entombment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum, at Claypool Hill, Virginia. Pallbearers will be John Simmons, Matthew Simmons, and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Simmons, Maurice Perkins, Randy Prater, David Bandy, Doug LaForce, Scott White, and Mark Griffith. Members of the Casey-Shortt VFW Post #9640 will conduct military graveside rites. Friends may visit with the family from noon until the time of service at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Samaritan Purse; P. O. Box 3000; Boone, NC 28607. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands, Virginia, is in charge of arrangements, and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com

Bill R. Simmons

November 19, 1939 - March 2, 2025