Tom Simmons

Tom Simmons, 80, of Hendersonville passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 6, 2016 at his residence. A native of Catawba County, and a former resident of Charlotte, he had resided in Hendersonville for the past 13 years. He was a son of the late Gladys and Dexter Simmons.

A graduate of East Carolina University, where he was a member of the football team, he received a BS in business. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, having served during the Korean Conflict era. He spent 32 years in sales, and retired as a senior sales representative from International Paper. Tom was awarded Salesman of the Year for multiple years.

He was an avid saltwater fisherman and loved anything associated with the water. He found pleasure in woodworking and traveling, and was always one who enjoyed meeting new people. Tom was an avid football fan, especially his beloved East Carolina Pirates and the Carolina Panthers. He was very passionate about his dogs, Skippy and Smokey.

He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Gayle; son, Lee Simmons and his wife Gerry of Concord, NC; daughter, Sharon Matthews and her husband Steve of Florida; grandsons, Ryan and Chase Matthews of Florida; brother, Preston Simmons and his wife Alice of Greensboro; sister, Ellen Bielan and her husband Bob of Salem, SC and numerous nieces.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on Saturday, November 12, 2016 in the chapel of Shuler Funeral Home. Reverend Sherrill Moore will officiate the service.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Lung Association (www.lung.org) or The American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org) in Tom’s memory.