Joseph "Joe" Simmons

Joe Simmons, of Bland, VA, went to be with his Lord on May 6th, 2021.  Born February 12th, 1961, he was the son of Bennett and Vernie Clemons Simmons. 
Joe was a cherished member of the community and was always willing to stop what he was doing at the drop of a hat to help a neighbor in need.  He and his dad began a vault and burial business 19 years ago.  His dad passed away shortly after starting the business and Joe kept the business going at the request of his mother.  Joe comforted so many families during their time of grief with his smile, humor and compassion.  He was a hard-working man who enjoyed spending time with his family.  Joe was always up for a cookout and was a master on the grill.  He could make shoe leather taste like filet mignon.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Sammie Simmons and two sisters, Debbie Dinger and Rita Johnson.
Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Nancy Kessinger Simmons; his brothers & sisters-in-law, David and Pat Simmons, John Simmons, Travis and Cindy Simmons and Mitchell Simmons; his sister & brother-in-law, Sharon & Mike Foglesong; his step-daughters, Kathy & Jim Bob Penley and Crissy Blankenship; his step-grandchildren, Rachel Penley, Robbie Penley, Kimberly Blankenship, Karrie Blankenship and Kathryn Blankenship; mother-in-law, Loretta Kessinger; sisters-in-law, Suzie & Randy Lowman and Mary Beth Ratliff ; and several nieces and nephews, too many to list.
A special thanks to the Bland County Rescue Squad and Wythe County Community Hospital for the care shown to Joe and his family.
A graveside service will be held Monday, May 10, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. at Morning Star Cemetery with Rev. Arnold Clark officiating.
The Simmons family is in the care of A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate, avestandsons.com, (540) 921-2985.