Richard Lynn “Rick” Simmons, 61, of Morgantown, died on Saturday, September 15, 2018, in Elk Garden.
Born on December 5, 1956, he was the youngest child of the late Theodore and Beulah Simmons.
He graduated from Elk Garden High School and spent most of his childhood days at his birthplace, Nethkin. Shortly after graduation, he moved to Morgantown where he remained until his final goodbye. “Your life is made of two dates and a dash. Make the most of the dash.”
Rick not only made the most of it, he did so much more. He made us smile with his touching poems and kind gestures that he always shrugged off as nothing, as he never wanted to be fussed over; he constantly made us laugh with his quick wit. His knowledge about everything from sports to world events to everything in general was amazing, but he was never boastful.
Above all else, Rick enriched the lives of everyone whom he came in contact with. He was never influenced by a person’s title, wealth or lack of. He simply enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life and getting to know them. He never forgot a face and had a story to tell about each one.
It would be an incredible understatement to say he was liked by his co-workers, staff and all whom he encountered at his workplace. He was so much more; he was adored, loved and respected.
He was WV women’s soccer team’s biggest fan. They were affectionately referred to as “his girls”, and he rarely, if ever, missed a game. They loved him as much as he loved them. His absence will surely be felt at every game going forward and there will be an empty spot on the bleachers that no one else will ever take. He pretty much enjoyed all sports, especially WV Mountaineer football and basketball (He attended almost all the WV Women’s basketball games). He was passionate about the Pittsburgh Pirates and Steelers. He was an avid golfer and spent as much time as he could on the course.
His warmness, kindness, and generosity, his way of making us laugh and his giving heart, are all the things that make saying goodbye almost unbearable. He was bigger than life and has certainly left a void in our lives that will never be filled. Simply put, he will be missed more than can be expressed in words and his death leaves a hollow feeling that may ease in time, but we will never be the same without him.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Gary Simmons and Billie Simmons and a sister, Betty Helmick.
He leaves behind his sisters, Barbara Durst, of Keyser, Twila Goodwin, of Morgantown, Shirley DiGiacomo, of Fairchance, Pa.; brothers, Donald Simmons and wife Joan, of Petersburg, Charles Simmons and wife Joyce, of Elk Garden, Wayne Simmons and wife Irene, of Pittsburgh; and countless cousins, nieces and nephews, who along with his siblings loved him dearly.
In lieu of a traditional funeral service, which Rick would never have wanted, there will be a Celebration of Life at the Pines Country Club, in Morgantown, from 1 – 4 p.m. on Sunday, Septemeber 23.
To those planning on attending, we are encouraging you to please bring a favorite Rick story to share.
The family has requested that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Rick’s honor to WVU Athletic Dept. Women’s Soccer Team, in care of Twila E. Goodwin, 1012 Ashton Dr. Morgantown, WV 26508
Arrangements have been entrusted in the Markwood Funeral Home in Keyser.
Condolences: markwoodfuneralhome.com
