John Herald "Heck" Simmons , age 85 of Brandywine, WV, passed away on Monday, January 7, 2019 at Sentara RMH Medical Center in Harrisonburg, VA. He was born on September 4, 1933, on Roaring Creek in Onego, WV, the son of the late Walter and Iva (Painter) Simmons. On June 12, 1954, John married Agnes M. Varner Simmons, who preceded him in death on November 18, 2018.

Mr. Simmons retired in 1990 as a School Bus Driver from Pendleton County Schools, after 37 years. Following his retirement, he established Brandywine Auto Sales in which he operated from 1991-2014. He was a member of the Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren.

Mr. Simmons is survived by: a daughter, Janet L. Roberson (Lowell) of Weyers Cave, VA; a son, David W. Simmons (Christina) of Brandywine, WV; 4 grandchildren, Tonia Hedrick (Matt), Trisha Knicely (Dennis), Amanda Smith (Greg), Amber Brown (Justin); 6 great-grandchildren, Connor, Carrigan and Corinne Hedrick, Jenna Anderson, Adalyn and Brynlee Smith. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by: a daughter, Carla Sue Simmons; a brother, William Miller; and a sister, Doretha "Dot" Sinnett.

Mr. Simmons' family will receive friends on Thursday, January 10, 2019, 6-8 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin. Funeral services will be on Friday, January 11, 2019 at 11:00 AM at Cedar Grove Church of the Brethren, with Pastor Larry Danner officiating. Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandywine, WV. Memorials may be made to Pendleton County Volunteer Rescue Squad, POB 727, Franklin, WV 26807. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home