Charles Ray Simmons formerly from Alexandria, Virginia and presently residing in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, passed away August 19, 2025, at the age of 89.

Charles was born May 24, 1936, in Nashville, Tennessee to the late J. Raymond Simmons and Billy “Willie” Chambers.  Charles was raised in Talihina, Oklahoma before moving to Alexandria, Virginia, and attended both Talihina & Mount Vernon High Schools. Graduating from Mount Vernon H.S. in 1956.

Remaining to cherish Charles’s memory is his son Roger Ray Simmons of Myrtle Beach, SC, daughter Sandra Gaye Simmons (Mike Martelli) grandchildren Morgan Makana Simmons of Los Angeles, California, Ryan Patrick Simmons of Taipa City, Taiwan,  Sunley Brooke Simmons of Palm Beach, Florida, and Connor Blake Simmons of Fort Collins, Colorado, and his beloved four-legged companions Denver and Kobe.

Along with his parents Charles was preceded in death by his wife Gaye Nell (Whited) Simmons, father-in-law Doyle A. Whited, mother-in-law Frances Juanita Whited, brother Arthur Carmean and nephew “Little Charlie” Carmean.

Charles had a passion for playing the guitar, he loved all types of music from classical to country, preparing homemade food with ingredients from his garden, he was known for his homemade beef jerky, and enjoyed fishing, sports (Redskins), watching movies and his favorite being “Superman” and the Notebook, his favorite TV programs include watching the “Rifleman”, “Gunsmoke”, “All in the Family”, and he enjoyed the History Channel.

Charles was a member of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), and was a Deacon at Engleside Baptist Church, and Vice President of Mt. Vernon Little League Football. He was a Master Carpenter by trade, and remodeled homes throughout Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. 

Charles was a proud Veteran of the U. S. Army where he served from 1959 – 1961, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division in the 1st Airborne Brigade, Charlie Company, working his way from private to Sargeant, and received an honorable discharge.

The family is holding a Celebration of Life Service at Mount Calvary Community Church 6731 Beulah Street, Franconia, Virginia 22310 on December 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m.

Cremation Services Direct (843-651-1194) of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina is assisting the family with the arrangements.