Gray Simmons

Mr. Gray Simmons, 88, of Mount Airy, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday evening, September 23, 2013, from the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson. Mr. Simmons was born November 14, 1924, in Surry County, to the late Charlie Vann and Elizabeth McDaniel Simmons. He bravely served in the United States Navy during World II as Seaman First Class on the USS Croatan Aircraft Carrier. Gray was a true humanitarian with a giving heart, loving and serving anyone in need. Mr. Simmons was the owner of State Farm Insurance Agency in Mount Airy for over 30 years and was also a faithful member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, where he served as a dedicated choir member, Sunday school teacher, deacon, and on numerous other committees for all his married life. He was a charter member of Flat Rock Ruritan Club, a charter member of the Four Way Volunteer Fire Department, and a member of Granite Masonic Lodge #322 AF and AM for 56 years. Mr. Simmons was a devoted husband, a caring father and grandfather, and a wonderful friend and neighbor. Left to cherish his loving memory are his wife of 68 years, Frances Smith Simmons of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Simmons McGee and Sam of Greensboro; two sons and daughters-in-law, Terry Simmons and Joyce of Mount Airy and Dan Simmons and Karla of Winston-Salem; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Mark McGee and Jamie, Chris McGee, Daniel McGee and Laurie, Scott Simmons and Lisa, Brad Simmons and Shannon, Kevin Simmons and Shannon, Christa DiBonaventura and John, and Joseph Simmons and Amy; thirteen great-grandchildren, Austin McGee, Carly McGee, Jake Christopher McGee, Dylan McGee, Christian McGee, Ava Grace McGee, Nick Simmons, Anna Simmons, Emma Simmons, Ryan Simmons, Jacob DiBonaventura, Sarah DiBonaventura, and Elliott Simmons; and two step-great-grandchildren, Jacob Golding and Charley Golding. In addition to his parents, Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by six brothers, Harvey, Haywood, Houston, Reggie, Pete, and Curtis Simmons. The funeral service will be held Friday, September 27, 2013, at 1:00 PM at Flat Rock Baptist Church, with Dr. Jon Cawley officiating. Burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens, with full military honors by the VFW Memorial Honor Guard. The family will receive friends Friday from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM at Flat Rock Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017; or Flat Rock Baptist Church, P.O. Box 587, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.