Mr. James Eugene Simmons, 87, of Mount Airy, passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. Eugene was born May 28, 1938 in Surry County, the son of the late James Dewey Simmons and Huldah Nichols Simmons. From a young child, Eugene loved the outdoors and working. His love for farming was more than just his livelihood but also his passion. He was also a talented gardener. Every summer, along side his wife, Betty, they would plant and tended to an abundant garden; Canning food for their family and friends. Eugene was also a talented woodworker and carpenter. He built many unique replicas of homes and gifts over the years. Eugene loved John Deere tractors and had his own building for showing off his collectibles, which he enjoyed sharing with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. He was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he served alongside his late wife, Betty, in the Raleigh North Carolina Temple and other capacities. Left to cherish his memory are his 5 children and 10 grandchildren. His children and spouses are Shelia Sherrill (Jay), Sheryl Lee (Myron), Jamie Simmons (Deniene), Dwaine Simmons, and Amanda Badgett (Todd). His grandchildren are Coby Sherrill (Ashley), Chase Sherrill (Chari), Katherine Thomas (Jarrad), Megan Mills (Jordan), Christopher Lee (Morgan), Dusty Simmons (Amber), Bailey Brandon (Christopher), Amber Thomas (Nick), Taylor Younger (Logan), and Jordan Davis (Daniel). Eugene had 24 great grandchildren. Surviving are also his sister, Frances Peacock; and brother and sister-in-law, Dean and Carole Simmons; as well as many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Gray Hiatt Simmons; granddaughter, McKayla Leigh-Ann Simmons; sisters, Barbara Cruise, Madge York, Mary Sue Jarvis, Imogene Radford, and Hilda Harbour; and brother, Wayne Simmons. A visitation and funeral will begin at 1:00 PM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 100 Windsor Park Drive, Dobson, NC 27017. Burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, P.O. Box 325, Dobson, North Carolina 27017.