Barry Lee Simmons, dedicated husband, and friend of many, passed away on April 30, 2023, at the age of 68 in Roanoke, Virginia.

Barry is survived and missed by his loving wife, Patsi Simmons of 39 years; his mother, Mary Jane Simmons; his sister, Vicky Payne; brother-in-law, Don McMillan (Donna); sister-in-law, Karen Ward (Terry).  Forever cherished and remembered by his nephews, Corey Payne (Lydia Brantingham-Payne) and Addison McMillan; nieces, Kendal Colley (Rob), Mary Elizabeth Swayne (Charles), and Paige Ward.  His memory lives on with his great nieces and nephews, Gabrielle and Gwendolyn Colley and Graham and Hudson Payne; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

Barry was preceded in death by his father, Everett Simmons; brother-in-law, John McMillan; and his nephew, Terry Ward, Jr.

For much of Barry’s life, he served proudly as a Roanoke City Firefighter where he became an important and reliable fixture in his community.  Some of his greatest joy came from owning the Garden City Grocery convenience store where he could visit with customers and is remembered for his warmth, charm, and humor.

Through the years, Barry enjoyed golfing, cooking for his family, and making friends wherever he went. Barry was a stranger to no one and found great purpose in sharing in the successes, joys, and challenges of those around him.  Barry was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in his life.

There are no words that can express how grateful and blessed we are to the many of Barry’s lifelong friends that enriched his life.  Patsi especially wants to thank Stacey and Karen Booth, Toby and Carla Webb, and Karen Webb, you all will never know what your friendship meant to Barry.  He thought the world of you all.

Barry, everyone you left in this world hates that you are gone but we are happy that you are home free and painless.  We will always love and miss you until we meet again.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to Garden City Baptist Church.

Funeral Services will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 5, 2023, at Oakey’s Vinton Chapel with Pastor John Sweeney, Pastor Jeff Gardner, and Chaplain Mike Stanley officiating.  Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at the funeral home. The Roanoke City Fire Department will render funeral honors for Mr. Simmons.

When peace like a river attendeth my way

         When sorrow like sea billows roll;

Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say,

         It is well, it is well with my soul.

Arrangements by Oakey’s Funeral Service – Vinton Chapel, Vinton, VA (540) 982-2221.