Mr. Richard Thomas "Tom" Simmons, age 83, of Lenoir, North Carolina passed away on March 20, 2024.

Richard was born to the late Ballard and Helen Simmons on December 2, 1940 in Caldwell County, NC.

Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Judy Simmons; sister, Julia Reid (Terry); sister-in-law, Linda Livingston; brother-in-law, Johnny Freeman (Hazel); nieces, Juliann Reid, Donna Warren (Chris). Charman Knight (Gordon); nephew, Clay Freeman; great-nieces, Kyndell Warren and Jaycie Knight; great-nephew, Zane Knight; and fur babies, Annie and Penny.

Tom served as a deacon at Miller Hill Baptist Church. He was an excellent example of a Christian man. He was also a professional photographer for 25 years and worked in furniture for many years. He played semi-pro baseball for the Broyhill Chiefs where he was inducted into the Caldwell County Sports Hall of Fame. Tom worried more about others than he ever did himself. He was a truly selfless man. Tom loved sports. He was an avid golfer who really just enjoyed life. He has been described as the best big brother that a sibling could have. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband and man.

A graveside service to honor the memory of Richard "Tom" Simmons will be held on Sunday, March 24rd, 2024 at 2pm at Blue Ridge Memorial Park Cemetery with Reverend Carl Hamm and Reverend Steve Walsh officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Clay Freeman, Paul Purseley, Terry Reid, Kyndell Warren, Juliann Reid, and Peter Donahue.

Honorary pallbearers will include Bill Adkins, June Ray Smith, Don Simmons, and Gordon Helms.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Richard McBurney and wife as well as Dr. James Hathorn.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Amorem Hospice in Hudson, North Carolina.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Mr. Richard Thomas Simmons.