John "J. B." Booker Simmons

John "J. B." Booker Simmons, 60, of 1410 Maryland Avenue in Eden, passed away March 9, 2011, at Morehead Memorial Hospital. A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, March 12, at Fair Funeral Home Chapel. Mr. Simmons was born January 16, 1951 in Henry County, VA. He was a long-time member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. John was a retiree of the US Marine Corp, of which he took great pride. He served 20 years in the Marine Corp which included a tour of duty in Vietnam. In his private time he enjoyed cooking, fishing, reading, playing golf, playing pool and working crossword puzzles. He worked for five years with Gildan, Inc. as a shift manager. Surviving are his daughters, Dawn Simmons Tucker and husband, Brian of Wilmington, Meghan Kay Williams and husband, Chris, McKayla Brianna Simmons of the home; long-time companion and mother of McKayla, April McKnight of the home; step-son, Mason Harris of the home; mother, Lady H. Simmons; four sisters, Nancy Inman, Kay Dishmon and husband, Lewis, Mary Willis and husband, Wayne, Mickey Buck and husband, Joe; one grandchild, Avery Banks Tucker; mothers of his children, Benita Simmons and Cyndi Frank; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, John T. Simmons; daughter, Samantha Renee Simmons; and sister, Ann Hoffler. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service (1 - 2 PM) at Fair Funeral Home Chapel and other times at the home of his mother, 1920 A. L. Philpott Highway, Axton, VA or 1410 Maryland Avenue in Eden. Memorial contributions may be made to Disabled American Veterans and mailed to DAV Memorial Program, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301; or to Marine Toys for Tots Foundation, 18251 Quantico Gateway Drive, Triangle, VA 22172. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.fairfuneralhome.com