Gerald Ervin Simmons

Gerald "Gerry" Ervin Simmons 88, of Hurricane, WV passed away on Wednesday June 26, 2024. Gerry was born on January 24, 1936 in Wallback, WV where he spent his youth working on the family farm. While the work was demanding, Gerry had fond memories of that setting and appreciated the value of hard work which he carried forward throughout his life. Gerry received his Bachelor's Degree from Marshall University and Master's Degree in Music Education from the College of Graduate Studies. He was employed for over 40 years by various West Virginia County Boards of Education as a teacher and band director, most recently in Putnam County where he retired in 2000. His bands received numerous awards throughout his career. Gerry was WV's Band Director of the Year in 1972 and his Wahama High School Band received the honor of performing in the Presidential Inauguration Parade in Washington D.C. in 1973. Gerry also served as Music Director for 24 years at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church in Hurricane, WV. It is often said of people that he or she "never met a stranger". That was absolutely an accurate description of Gerry. He loved people and he loved a good conversation. Regardless of the location, whenever Gerry was out in a public setting, you could be confident that he would be engaged with someone in a good hearted conversation whether he knew the person or not. He was a kind man who valued his Christian faith and his family more than anything. Gerry is survived by his wife of 63 years, Barbara Wilson Simmons; daughters: Nancy Simmons and Alicia (James) Martin of Hurricane, WV; son, Lee (Julie) Simmons of Frankton, IN; and grandchildren: Steven (Korinna) Larson, Wesley (Paige) Larson, Adam Martin, Sarah Martin, Leah Martin, Ellie Simmons, and Levi Simmons. He is also survived by brothers: Deward "Evans" Stalnaker, Andrew Jackson Stalnaker and Charles "Chuck" Stalnaker. Gerry was preceded in death by his father, Norville Lee Simmons; mother, Pauline Moore Stalnaker; step-father, Deward Stalnaker; sister, Patricia McArthur; daughter, Tina Larson, and brothers: Steven Stalnaker, Geary Stalnaker, and David Stalnaker. A Funeral Service honoring Gerry will be 4:00 pm Sunday June 30, 2024 at Forrest Burdette Memorial United Methodist Church Hurricane, WV. Friends may visit with family one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations in Gerry's name to: Kanawha Hospice Care 1601 Kanawha Blvd W. Charleston, WV 25387. Anyone wishing to leave an online memory may do so by visiting Gerry's tribute page at: www.chapmanfuneralhomes.com. Chapman Funeral Home 3941 Teays Valley Road Hurricane, WV 25526 is honored to serve the Simmons family.

Gerald Ervin Simmons

January 24, 1936 - June 26, 2024