Abraham Jonathan “A.J.” Simmons, Jr., age 89, of 3614 Douthat Road, Clifton Forge, Virginia died Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital in Roanoke.
He was born January 12, 1929, in Botetourt County, Virginia, to the late Abraham Jonathan Simmons, Sr. and Stella Gertrude Clarkson Simmons. He retired as a clerk for CSX Transportation after 42 years of service. He was a member of Living Stones Ministries. He was the previous Mayor from December of 1977 to December of 1978, and long time council member for the town of Iron Gate. He loved woodworking, hunting, gardening and spending time with his family.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Helen Louise Young Simmons; seven sisters, Hazel Piscunare, Dorothy Myers, Patricia Griner, Mary Capalby, Frances Bober, Bernice Deisher, and Phyllis Huffman; and a brother, Homer Simmons.
He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Rollins Simmons of Clifton Forge; two sons, Lee Simmons and wife Frances of Clifton Forge, and Roger Simmons and wife Linda of Troutville; a sister, Alice Wilkerson of Lynchburg; three brothers, Charles L. Simmons and wife Mary of Clifton Forge, Donald Simmons and wife Robin of Eagle Rock, and Robert Simmons and wife Linda of Covington; three grandchildren, Sharon Blanchard and husband Travis, Wesley Simmons and wife Crystal, and Krista Simmons; two great grandchildren, Tristan Blanchard and Avery Simmons; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In keeping with his wishes, his body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018, at 1:00 PM at Living Stones Ministries Church with Reverend Mike Rollins officiating. The family will receive friends at the church on Saturday afternoon at 12:00 PM, one hour prior to the service.
A. J.’s special request is for memorial tributes to be in the form of contributions to the Special Missions Outreach-Through Living Stones Ministries, 601 Granville Ave, Clifton Forge, Virginia 24422.
Nicely Funeral Home in Clifton Forge, is handling arrangements.