Michael Eugene Simmons

Michael Eugene Simmons, 71, Rowland NC, departed this life peacefully with his wife of 43 years by his side, on April 14, 2022, after a long, and brave battle with an illness.

Michael was born on August 8,1950 to Ruby Simmons Rogers and the late James Barnes and step-father, the late Rufus Rogers. He attended Scotland High School, where he excelled in playing baseball, football and track, receiving his varsity letter in all three.  After high school, he was invited to try out for the Washington Senators, a major league baseball team before eventually enlisting in the United States Navy.

Upon returning home from his time in service, Michael tried numerous careers before finding his passion in the car sales business. He loved his career of nearly three decades working in sales with Laurinburg Auto Sales, Safeway Motors, and Bleecker Buick GMC.

Michael's favorite place to visit was the mountains of North Carolina, and he particularly loved the Grandfather Mountain area. Perhaps his favorite activity was watching westerns, one titled Gun Smoke he watched every day and loved it. Later in life, Michael enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, he loved playing card games with Kinsley and Makenna; talking sports with Roman, and Daxon, who is only six months old held a special place in his PaPa’s heart.

Michael was predeceased by Mayo Simmons (“Papa”), Sadie Simmons (“Mama”); father, James Barnes; step-father, Rufus Rogers; sister, Teresa Rogers Saunders; brother, Stevie Rogers; niece, Jayme Rogers.

Michael is survived by his wife, Deborah Simmons of Rowland, NC; his sons, Dean Simmons of Lafayette, LA, and Daniel Simmons (Lauren) of Lumberton, NC; his grandchildren, Kinsley Simmons, and Makenna Simmons, Roman Simmons, Daxon Simmons; mother, Ruby Rogers; sister, Janet Rogers Mudd (Andy Mudd); brother, Darrel Rogers; two very special cousins, Larry Smith, and Richie Bunyard; special friend, Judy Carver, and a host of other nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends he cared deeply for.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Thursday, April 21, 2022 in Hillside Memorial Park. The family will receive friends immediately following at graveside.

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