Hurley J. Simmons

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning” Psalm 30:5 Hurley Junious Simmons entered eternal rest on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

He was born on June 2, 1941 to Hurley L. Simmons and Mary Equilla Simmons in Isle of Wight County. He was affectionately known as “Bubba” to family and “HJ” to many others. Hurley attended Georgie D. Tyler School in Windsor, VA. He was employed by Newport News Shipbuilding for 43 years. He worked at Isle of Wight County Refuse and Recycling Centers for 16 years. He was a licensed plumber. He enjoyed introducing his clients to fragrant oils, all under his personal business name “HJ Oils”. In his younger years, he coached softball at Nike Park in Carrollton, VA.

Hurley joined Shiloh Baptist Church at an early age. He joyfully served as a part of various auxiliaries. They include Deacon, former Chairman of Trustees, Finance Committee, Christian Support Ministry, SBC Male Chorus, Hospitality Committee, and mentor for the Youth Department. At offering time, he was known for telling members “If you want to be blessed, you know what you need to do…pay your tithes and offering.” He was a “people person” and loved to smile and laugh. He would often be asked to fry fish and cook at family gatherings. When he put his clothes on, he turned heads.

Preceding him in death was his father, Hurley L. Simmons; mother, Mary Equilla Simmons; sister, Shirley Ann Simmons; son Alphonso “Pete” Godwin; and daughter Sonya D. Simmons. He leaves to cherish his memories: Daughter, Nina M. Williams of Portsmouth, VA; sons, Andre Simmons of Dacula, GA and Devin D. Lias of Smithfield, VA; sisters Joyce M. Greene, Cynthia M. Simmons, and Audrey D. Simmons, all of Smithfield, VA; brother, Patrick E. Simmons, also of Smithfield, VA; a host of grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Special thanks to Joyce Greene, Barbara Hill, Audrey Simmons, Linda Copeland, Larry Mason, Roger and Dorothy McClinton, and Roy Austin for their sincere dedication.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 1:00pm on Sunday, March 12, 2023 at Shiloh Baptist Church, 9000 Fire Tower Road, Windsor, VA 23487. Viewing will take place on Saturday, March 11, 2023 from 2-5pm at the Chapel. Please keep the Simmons family in your prayers.