Mr. Joseph Riley Simmons

Joseph Riley Simmons, 94, of Roanoke passed away Thursday, May 9, 2019. He was the son of the late Moncie Edward Simmons and Clara Stump Simmons. Joseph served in the United States Army and was a WWII Veteran. He retired from the Roanoke City School System with 28 years of service. In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his brother, Winford Simmons, 2 infant brothers and a sister, Alain Akers.

Joseph was a loving and devoted husband and father. He enjoyed weekend family road trips on the parkway and visiting with family. A man of few words that could convey his thoughts by a simple look or a snap of his fingers, though he had few words he taught us respect, manners, morals and love for friends and family by example. Joseph was not a church goer but, he loved the Lord and conveyed that love to his children. He was a hard worker and quit was not in his vocabulary, he displayed this all his life especially in his last 4 years. In “Daddy’s” words “I can do anything I set my mind to. His hobbies were gardening, keeping his yard mowed and preparing large meals for his family on special occasions which he loved.

Surviving him are his wife of 66 years, Doris Maxey Simmons; children, Karenlee Simmons, Steven Simmons and wife, Cathryn, Janet Scott and Rebecca Wilkerson and husband, James; brother, Elmer Simmons; 9 grandchildren, Amy, Jacob, Cheyenne, Matthew, Ashley, Alan, Misty, Debra, Ryan; 8 great-grandchildren, Britany, Cameron, Sierra, Sophia, Adalynn, Miranda, Amanda and Zachary; 3 great-great-grandchildren, Naphari, Layla and Lilly; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; children who loved him like a Papa, Lynn, Candence and Michael.

The family would like to thank all the staff at Medi Hospice for their wonderful support and care over the past four years. A special thanks to Theresa, Diana, Katie, Marla and John for the personal and loving care they provided in Joseph and Doris’ home.

The family will receive friends Sunday, May 12, 2019 from 2-4 and 6-8 pm at Lotz Funeral Home, 1001 Franklin Road, Roanoke. A celebration of Joseph’s life will be conducted at 10 am, Monday, May 13, 2019 at Lotz Funeral Home-Roanoke with Chaplin John Thompson officiating. Burial will follow at Franklin Memorial Park.