RIP Harold Simmons (1924-2009)

Can't believe three consecutive posts have marked someone's passing, but it's been one of those weeks . . . Today, I offer condolences to my brother-in-law who is mourning the loss of his grandfather. The obit from the Greenville [SC] News:

Harold E. Simmons, 84, of 305 Trotter Road, husband of the late Leecie Owens Simmons, passed away Thursday, June 25, 2009, at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home.

Born in Pickens, he was the son of the late Lawrence and Ernestine Hendricks Simmons.

Mr. Simmons was retired from Sangamo Electric Co. and was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church. His career began with schooling from Packard Marine School while serving in the U.S. Navy. There, he mastered the trade skills necessary to advance him to Plant Engineer at Sangamo. After retiring, he raised cattle and used his skills in repairing small engines. He also was a member of the South Carolina Farmers Association.

Surviving are a daughter, Carolyn Ross and her husband, Roy, of Easley; a sister, Joy Simmons of Pickens; six grandchildren, Angela R. Dalton (Spencer), Cristal S. Day (Chip), and Autumn S. Clark (Johnny), all of Easley, Keith Simmons (Alice) of Mt. Pleasant, Shana R. Dalton (Jason) and Alex Simmons (Stacy) of Pickens; and 13 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by a son, Gary Harold Simmons; a grandson, Jason Roy Ross; four sisters, Inez Littleton, Emroy Kelley, Ruby Byers and Betty Gillespie; and two brothers, William Frank Simmons and Carl Hendricks Simmons.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2009, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens. The Men's Sunday School Class of East Pickens will serve as honorary escorts.

The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.The family is at the home of the daughter, 130 Camelot Court, Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com

Memorials may be made to Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home, 4605 Belton Highway, Anderson, SC 29621.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Simmons family.