John Samuel Simmons of Linden Avenue passed away April 8, 2021 at the age of 83. John was born in Norfolk County to the late Thomas Benjamin and Ruby Bell Johnston Simmons. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his grandson, Scott Simmons; siblings, Thomas “DD”, Marion “Ladybug”, Ray “Winky”, Annette “Doodle”, Linda, James “Jim”, and Pat “Tootie”. He was a member of Laurel Avenue Church of Christ. He served his country in the United States Merchant Marines during the Korean War. John retired from the Department of Defense as a Data Management Specialist for F-14 manuals; he previously worked as a maintenance worker at Naval Air Rework Facility- Southeast, a machinist at Dynamic and Recovery Solutions, as well as several area Chevrolet Dealerships. He was Dad to all the neighborhood boys working on their cars and usually for free. He and his wife, Ruth loved camping, they are members of the Mid-Atlantic Road Runners Camping Club and he served as a former District Director of the FCRV International Camping Club. John loved NASCAR and from 1959 to 1972 he enjoyed the dirt and asphalt track as a driver and owner of his own car. From 1980 to 1994 he built and drove race cars with his sons.
John is survived by the love of his life, Ruth D. Simmons; sons, John (Lora), Ken (Mandy), and Brian (Tracy); grandson, Kenny (Alex) who is expecting John’s first great-grandchild; and his sister-in-law, Linda Simmons.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, April 15, 2021 beginning at 12 noon at Graham Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 1112 Kempsville Road, Chesapeake. A funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with Rev. Kirk Dice officiating. He will be laid to rest in the Mausoleum at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Norfolk. Due to COVID restrictions temperature checks and masks will be required to enter building; seating is limited. For those unable to attend, the service will be webcast at www.grahamfuneralhome.com, you may also leave a condolence to the family. In lieu of flowers please consider memorial contributions to Laurel Avenue Church of Christ, 1126 Laurel Avenue, Chesapeake, VA 23325 or a charity of your choice.