Richard Arnold Simmons, age 75, of Brandywine, WV, passed away on Sunday, November 3, 2019, at UVA in Charlottesville, VA. He was born on May 18, 1944, in Manassas, VA, the son of the late Ira (12-27-88) and Clara Mae (Eckard) (12-27-1949) Simmons. After the death of his mother, Richard was raised by his foster mother, the late Nora Nesselrodt (7-28-1984). On June 20, 1965, he married his wife of 54 years, Eleanor (Baldwin) Simmons, who survives in Brandywine, WV.

Richard had worked at Maphis Chapman as a welder for 17 years. He had also worked at Shickel Corp from 1984 until April 31, 2010, when he retired after 26 years. Richard was a member of Martin Luther Lutheran Church and South Fork Fire Department for several years. He loved watching and assisting with boys sports (from Little League through High School). He enjoyed watching TV, especially westerns, the news, and WV sports and he particularly liked women's basketball and softball. Richard had a passion for gardening, lawn work, and sitting outside, and watching squirrels at the bird feeders.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Simmons is survived by: 3 sons, Jeffrey A. Simmons (Krista) of Brandywine, WV, Kenneth R. Simmons (Patricia) of Brandywine, WV, Gregory S. Simmons (Michelle) of Lacy Springs, VA; 9 grandchildren, Nikki Ringer, Jeni Cook, Brandon Simmons, Austin Holland, Lindsey Simmons, Brianna Simmons, Stephanie Amick, KJ Simmons, Emily Simmons; 3 step grandchildren, Cecelia Shifflett, Eric Rhodes, William Amick; 8 great-grandchildren, TJ Turner, Cameryn Turner, Kaylee Ringer, Mysti Wood, Kolton Ringer, DeMakleez Wood, Wyatt M. Cook, and Isabella Martz; a brother, Allen Simmons (Leafy) of Mt. Solon, VA; and a sister, Faye McCray of Staunton, VA.

Mr. Simmons' family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, 6-8 PM at the Basagic Funeral Home in Franklin, WV. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at 2:00 PM in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Daryl Ritchie and Pastor Kevin Gerber officiating. Interment will be in Pine Hill Cemetery in Brandywine, WV. Memories and words of comfort may be left at www.basagic.com or on Facebook at Basagic Funeral Home.