Joe Lichus Simmons

Mr. Joe Lichus Simmons, 92, of 440 Culbert Street, Mount Airy, passed away Wednesday, August 10, 2011, at Northern Hospital of Surry County. He was born August 7, 1919, in Surry County, to the late Austin and Annie Matthews Simmons. Joe served on the police force with the Mount Airy Police Department for many years, retiring as chief of police at the age of 65. He was a veteran of the United States Army, having served during World Ward II, and a member of First Baptist Church. He is survived by a daughter, Ruth Ellen Simmons of Chantilly, VA; and a granddaughter and her husband, Catherine Bingman Simmons Michaelsen and Paul of Tampa, FL. In addition to his parents, Mr. Simmons was preceded in death by his wife, Esther Louise Bingman Simmons; two sons, Joseph Bingman Simmons and Timothy Mark Simmons; and a brother, Gideon Simmons. The funeral service will be held Saturday, August 13, 2011, at 2:00 PM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with Dr. Roger B. Gilbert officiating. Burial will follow at Oakdale Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 714 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030.