David Eugene Simmons

October 8, 1928 - September 3, 2017

Bluefield, VA – David Eugene Simmons of Bluefield, WV died September 3rd, 2017 in Bluefield, VA, just miles from where he was born on October 8th, 1928. He was 88. David was the oldest child of the late Roy Allen Simmons and Evelyn Taylor Simmons. After graduating from Beaver High School 1946, David enlistment in the Army for 2 years. He returned to Bluefield, graduated from Carson Newman College in 1951 and went on to Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary to continue his education. He earned Masters’ degrees in both history and theology and graduated in 1955. He joined the U.S. Navy the same year and served with distinction as a Chaplain, for both the Navy and Marines, for 20 years. After retiring from the service he continued to be active in the ministry, worked at the William A. Hazel Company and had a farm in Staunton VA. In addition to his parents, David was preceded in death by his first wife Helen Dail Paul Simmons, his second wife Gunnel “Ghia” Borg, brother; Danny Simmons, and sisters; Joy Sarver, Judy Sarver and Zerna Crouch. Left to cherish his memory are his sons; David Eugene Simmons, Jr. of Nottingham MD and Paul Bryan Simmons of Monroe, NC, sister; Charlotte Hypes and husband Warren of Christiansburg, VA, brothers; Roy “Chip” Simmons and wife Georgann of Bluefield, WV, Larry Simmons and wife Ann of Bastian, VA; sister-in-law Isabel Simmons of Bluefield, WV, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family of David Simmons. His memorial service will be held at 12:00 pm October 7th, 2017 at the Mercer Funeral Home Chapel. Craig Hammond will preside. David’s sons will receive family and friends from 11am until noon at the funeral home with a luncheon to follow the service. The date of his memorial ceremony and interment in Arlington Cemetery is yet to be disclosed. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David’s name can be made to: The Union Mission, 2203 Bluefield, Ave. Bluefield, WV 24701. Those who wish to share memories or condolence messages with the family may do so by visiting: www.MercerFuneralHome.com