Joseph Drewery J.D. “Smiley” Simmons

CONWAY, NC – Joseph Drewery J.D. “Smiley” Simmons, age 76, of Barnes Loop Road, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

J.D. was born on January 14, 1944 to Gilbert Clyde Simmons and Lucy Sally Drewery Simmons in Northampton County, NC. He was a dedicated US Marine and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was a loving husband, dad, PaPa, and brother. J.D. was a true family man and cherished his wife, Janet, and his grandsons, always making sure GaGa had food for them when they came to visit. J.D. retired from International Paper where he was better known as “Smiley”. He was a devoted member of Conway Baptist Church and loved his church family. J.D. was always there to help out anyone he could and loved being there for anyone in the community that needed him. He enjoyed his International Harvester and piddling with his brother, Willie.

Along with his parents, J.D. was preceded in death by a brother, David Simmons, and sisters, Francis Buckner, and Marjie Griffin.

J.D. is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Janet, two sons, Joseph Bryce Simmons and special friend, Janice, and Anthony Drewery Simmons and wife Stacy, both of Conway; sister, Martha Rudell and husband Rick of Virginia Beach, VA; brother, Willie G. Simmons of Conway; two grandsons, Joseph Thomas “J.T.” Simmons, and Josh Simmons, both of Conway; granddaughter, Taylor Leggett and husband Shane of Windsor; great-granddaughter, Reagan Leggett of Windsor; special friend, Jean Futrell of Pendleton; along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Due to the circumstances, friends can view and pay their respects to J.D. Thursday, April 9, 2020, from 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC.

A private family celebration of life service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2020, at 11:00 am at the Conway Baptist Church, Conway, NC, with Rev. Willie McLawhorn officiating with a public graveside burial to follow at Conway Cemetery, Conway, NC.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vidant Home Health and Hospice and Nurse Leigh Sumner for the love and dedicated care shown them and J.D. during this time.

In lieu memorial contributions may be made directly to Vidant Home Health and Hospice, 521 West Myers Street, Ahoskie, NC 27910 or online by clicking here, or directly to Conway Baptist Church, 229 North Church Street, Conway, NC 27820, or online by clicking here.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Simmons family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com