Obituaries

Gary Kemper Simons, 76, of West Milford, WV, passed away on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at the Pittsburgh Veterans Administration medical Center, following an extended illness.

He was born in Flemington, WV, on August 21, 1941, a son of the late Kemper and Elsie Maude Day Simons.

Mr. Simons is survived by three sons, Richard Gary Simons of West Milford, Jason Rhoades of Morgantown, and James Garrett Ludwig of Weston; one daughter Vicki Kay Perris of Clarksburg; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.  He is also survived by one sister, Glenda Garcia of Stonewood.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one brother, John Wayne Simons.

He was a graduate of Victory High School Class of 1958, and a veteran in the U.S. Army from 1960-1963.  He retired from Interior Design Construction in Marietta, GA, after 15 years of service.

Gary was always a very personable person. He worked in many different fields over the years but most of all he was known and proud of his sports career.  He excelled in sports and was a three-sport Allstar at Unidis High School and Victory High School. He held more than 15 records.  He was an All-State selection on the 24 Division team of the state of West Virginia.  While pitching in high school, he once struck out 18 out of 21 players.  He later played on a fast pitch softball team that were state champions and went to the World Series in Tulsa, OK.  He then went on to own a semi-pro baseball team that went to the World’s Tournament in Wichita, KS. He also scored 66 points in one basketball game for a county record that still stands.  During his later years, he could be found at a ball game almost anywhere.

He loved to travel and enjoyed taking the back roads and telling stories about the way things were and what he had done.  He super enjoyed sports on TV or going to local ballgames.  Highschool sports were his favorite.  He could take an empty house and do a complete remodel and was excelled in math.  He enjoyed having breakfast with his buddies at the local store but most of all cherished spending time with his family. Gary was generous with his time and his money.  He was a strong fighter to the end and never complained no matter how much pain he experienced. Gary was a Christian and attended Bridgeport Free Methodist Church.

Family and friends may call at the Amos Carvelli Funeral Home, 201 Edison Street, Nutter Fort, on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 24, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Jeff Stalnaker presiding.

Interment will be in the Rose Hill Cemetery, followed by a dinner at the Bridgeport Fee Methodist Church.

Expressions of sympathy may be extended to the family at www.amoscarvelli.com  A service of Amos Carvelli Funeral Home.